1.1
.
101ift
k.'44:i4ortirrire.
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character
of God. Every seed brings forth fruit after its kind. . . . Receive into the soul
by faith the incorruptible seed of the word, and it will bring forth a character
and a life after the similitude of the character and the life of
God."—Christ's
'Object Lessons,
page 38,
"Appreciation of the Bible grows with its study."—Ibid., p. 132.
"God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering, thirsting
people. They will find that Christ is a personal Saviour. As they feed upon
His word, they find that it is spirit and life. The word destroys the natural,
earthly nature, and imparts a new life in Christ Jesus."—T
he Desire of Ages,
page 391.
"The neglect of the word means starvation to the
soul."—Counsels on
Sabbath School Work,
page 44.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I
pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sab-
bath school lesson each day of the week.
•
Name
LESSON TITLES FOR THE QUARTER
1.
God's Ideal for His Children
2.
The Christian and the World
3.
The Christian's. Banner
4.
The Christian Home
5.
Christian Character
6.
The Conscience
7.
Christian Education
8.
The Home and the School
9.
Church Life and the Christian
io. Christian Social Relations
11.
Sabbath Observance
12.
The Whole Armor of God
13.
Living Up to the Standard
-
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 253, July-September, 1958. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents
a year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published: in the
U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain
View, California. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. When
,
a
change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addres'ses.
Copyright, 1958, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
CHRISTIAN IDEALS
Lesson 1, for July 5, 1958
God's Ideal for His Children
MEMORY VERSE:
"That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having
spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without
blemish." Eph. 5:27.
STUDY HELPS:
"Prophets and Kings," pages 15-22; "Testimonies to Ministers,"
pages 15-23; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts;
Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of June 19.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-7.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
❑
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. God's Chosen People
1.
God's portion. Deut. 32:9; 1 Kings
8:53.
2.
A special, separate people. Deut.
7:6; Lev. 20:26.
3.
His treasure. Ps. 135:4.
4.
His purified people. Titus 2:14.
II. God's Ideal
5. Above the nations. Ex. 19:5 ;
Deut. 7:6.
6.
His "blessed" people. Mal. 3:12.
7.
Holy habitation of God. Eph.
2:21, 22.
III. Attainment of God's Ideal
8.
Through Christ's gift. Eph. 4:7,
12-14.
9.
Born anew for good works. Eph.
2:10; Titus 3:5.
10.
Developing fruit. Isa. 61:3.
11.
Displaying fruit. Matt. 7:16, 17.
12.
God's answer to Satan. Isa. 43:
10; 49:6.
13.
Under God's care. Isa. 59:19.
14.
Ideal fully realized. Isa. 27:2, 3,
6; Eph. 5:27.
THE LESSON
ourselves with that ideal and measure up
to it will it be possible to make the neces-
sary progress toward reaching
the
standards
set before us.
3
Introduction
God's ideal for His people is clearly
set
forth in His word. Only as we acquaint
God's Chosen People
1.
What claim does the Lord lay
upon His people? Deut. 32:9; 1 Kings
8:53.
NOTE.—"Enfeebled and defective as it
may appear, the church is the one object
upon which God bestows in a special sense
His supreme regard. It is the theater of His
grace, in which He delights to reveal His
power to transform hearts."—The
Acts of
the Apostles,
page 12.
2.
What kind of people did God
intend His chosen ones to be? Deut.
7:6; Lev. 20:26.
NoTE.—"Israel was to be distinct from
all other nations, not only in their form of
worship, but in their ideals, objectives, so-
cial and recreational life, diet, and dress.
God 'severed' His people from all others,
not simply to make them different from all
others, but that they might represent in
their every habit of life His own perfection
of character."—The
Seventh-day Advent-
ist Bible Commentary, vol.
1, p. 794.
3.
In what manner did God ex-
press His special esteem for His peo-
ple? Ps. 135:4.
NoTE.—"His peculiar treasure." The He-
brew word
segullah
signifies God's special
jewels, personal property, that He keeps in
store for Himself.
4.
After one has accepted Christ as
his Saviour, what work still remains
for Christ to do in his life? Titus 2:14.
NoTE.—Christ died to purify as well as
to pardon. He gave Himself to cleanse His
church that, at His second coming, "He
might present it to Himself a glorious
church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any
such thing; but that it should be oly and
without blemish." Eph. 5:27.
Luther Burbank, the famous plant wiz-
ard, is reported to have said: "If I have
made any worthy contribution to the
world, it is the advancement and proof of
the great principle in botany that a plant
born a weed does not have to remain a
weed, or a plant degenerated by the con-
ditions of nature does not have to remain
a degenerate."
Through Christ, degenerate man can be
made "holy and without blemish."
God's Ideal
5.
How does God regard His peo-
ple in relation to the nations of earth?
Ex. 19:5; Deut. 7:6.
NOTE.—"It was in order that the Israel-
ites might be a blessing to the nations, and
that God's name might be made known
`throughout all the earth,' that they were
delivered from Egyptian bondage. If obe-
dient to His requirements, they were to be
placed far in advance of other peoples in
wisdom and understanding; but this su-
premacy was to be reached and maintained
only in order that through them the pur-
pose of God for 'all nations of the earth'
might be fulfilled."—Prophets
and Kings,
page 368.
6.
How will the world regard the
people of God when they live in har-
mony with divine instruction? Mal.
3:12.
NoTE.—"The purpose which God seeks
to accomplish through His people today is
the same that He desired to accomplish
through Israel when He brought them
forth out of Egypt. By beholding the
goodness, the mercy, the justice, and the
love of God revealed in the church, the
world is to have a representation of His
character. And when the law of God is
thus exemplified in the life, even the world
will recognize the superiority of those who
love and fear and serve God above every
other people on the
earth."--Testintoiiies,
vol. 6, p. 12.
[4]
7.
In what special, spiritual terms
does God express His ideal for His
people? Eph. 2:21, 22.
Attainment of God's Ideal
8.
Through whom is God's ideal
for His children to be reached, and
to what extent will His ministry unify
the lives of God's people? Eph. 4:7,
12-14.
NoTE.—"God's ideal for His children is
higher than the highest human thought can
reach. The living God has given in His
holy law a transcript of His character.
The greatest Teacher the world has ever
known is Jesus Christ; and what is the
standard He has given for all who believe
in Him?—`Be ye therefore perfect, even as
your Father which is in heaven is perfect.'
—Matt. 5:48. As God is perfect in His
high sphere of action, so may man be per-
fect in his human
sphere."—Counsels to
Teachers,
page 365.
9.
To what kind of life does the
new birth lead the individual? Eph.
2:10; Titus 3:5.
NOTE.—"The Christian's life is not a
modification or improvement of the old,
but a transformation of nature. There is a
death to self and sin, and a new life alto-
gether. This change can be brought about
only by the effectual working of the Holy
Spirit."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 172.
10.
In the word of God what are
those called who have experienced re-
newal of life through the 'gospel of
Jesus? Isa. 61:3.
NOTE.—God compares the vitalized mem-
ber of His house, the true Christian, to a
fruitful tree.
"Trees of righteousness," or "oaks of
righteousness." The oak, or terebinth, has
a sturdy trunk and permanent foliage. It
stands out in the dry, parched landscape.
GOD'S
"JEWELS" REFLECT THE
I
'DIVINE LOVE INSTEAD OF
.
1v1
FY IWO THEIR OWN SEAUTY.
11.
By what • unfailing evidence
will it be revealed that God's children
have attained to the ideal set for
them? Matt. 7:16, 17.
NOTE.—"On this earth, the earth whose
soil has been moistened by the tears and
blood of the Son of God, are to be brought
forth the precious fruits of Paradise. In
the lives of God's people the truths of His
word are to reveal their glory and excel-
lence. Through His people Christ is to
manifest His character and the principles of
His kingdom."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 296.
12.
How does God desire to an-
swer Satan's charges against the prin-
ciples of righteousness? Isa. 43:10;
49:6.
Nora.—These principles are to be mani-
fest in the individual Christian, in the
family, in the church, and in every institu-
tion established for God's service. All are
to be symbols of what can be done for the
world. They are to be types of the saving
power of the truths of the gospel. All are
agencies in the fulfillment of God's great
purpose for the human
race."—Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons,
pages 296, 297.
[5
1
13. What special promise did God
give those who truly witness for Him?
Isa. 59:19.
NorE.—"Satan will work with miracu-
lous presentations to confirm men in the
belief that he is what he claims to be,—the
prince of this world, and that victory is
his. He will turn his forces against those
who are loyal to God, but though he may
cause pain, distress, and human agony, he
cannot defile the soul. He may cause afflic-
tion to the people of God as he did to
Christ, but he cannot cause one of Christ's
little ones to perish."—E. G. White Letter
43, 1895. Quoted in
The Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 1153.
14. How fully will God's ideal for
His people be eventually realized?
Isa. 27:2, 3, 6; Eph. 5:27.
NOTE.—"Let Israel hope in God. The
Master of the vineyard is even now gath-
ering from among men of all nations and
peoples the precious fruits for which He
has long been waiting. Soon He will come
unto His own; and in that glad day, His
eternal purpose for the house of Israel will
finally be
fulfilled."—Prophets and Kings,
page 22.
Lesson 2, for July 12, 1958
The Christian and the World
MEMORY VERSE:
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matt. 5:16.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 458-461, 563-568; "The Desire of
Ages," pages 272-280, 552-556; "The Mount of Blessing," pages 63-72 (1956
ed., pp. 38-44); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson
texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of June 26.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-6.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10-12:
❑
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. Christian and non-Christian Influences
1.
Light and darkness. 2 Cor. 6:14,
last part.
2.
"Children of light" and "children
of disobedience." Luke 16:8;
John 12:36, first part; Eph.
5:
6-8, first part.
6
3.
"Walk-'as children of light."
Eph. 5:8 (last part), 9, 10.
II. The Christian in His Realm
4.
Separate from the world. 2 Cor.
6:17; Eph. 5:11.
5.
Avoid unwise relationships. 2 Cor.
6:14, first part.
6.
Avoid conformity to the world.
1 John 2:15; Rom. 12:2.
7.
Divine fellowship. 2 Cor. 6:15, 16.
Ill. Sent Into the World, but Not
of the World
8.
Not of the world. John 17:15, 16.
9.
Christ's example. Matt. 9:10-13;
Luke 7:34, last part.
10.
Christ's association with Zac-
chaeus. Luke 19:5-10.
11.
Sent, as Christ was sent. John
17:18.
12.
Let light shine. Matt. 5:14-16.
THE ,LESSON
NoTE.—"The important verb in this pas-
sage is
walk.
Christians, as
children of light,
are
to
walk
in the light."—The
Interpre-
ter's Bible,
Eph. 5:8.
"How shall we walk as the children of
light? . . . 'I will tell you,' the apostle an-
swers: 'the fruit of the light is in all good-
ness and righteousness and truth. Walk in
these ways; let your life bear this fruit;
and you will be true children of the light
of God. So living, you will find out what
it is that pleases God, and how joyful a
thing it is to please Him (ver. 10). Your
life will then be free from all complicity
with the works of darkness. It will shine
with a brightness clear and penetrating,
that will put to shame the works of dark-
ness and transform the darkness itself. It
will speak with a voice that all must hear,
bidding them awake from the sleep of sin
to see in Christ their light of life.' "—G. G.
Findlay,
The Epistle to the Ephesians,
page
323.
Introduction
The Christian's life in this world is re-
stricted in certain respects. He must regu-
late his conduct in relation to various in-
fluences to which he is subjected.
Christian and non-Christian
Influences
1.
What
two distinct influences are
designated by the apostle Paul? 2 Cor.
6:14, last part.
NoTE.—Light and darkness indicate two
distinct areas of influence that the Chris-
tian church should distinguish between.
"Light" as the symbol of truth, virtue,
and holiness designates the realm of holi-
ness and the Divine Presence. Matt. 4:16;
2 Cor. 4:4, 6.
"Darkness," the symbol of corruption
and ignorance, indicates the region of sin,
unbelief, and evil powers.
2.
How are those described who
belong to the respective realms of
light and darkness? Luke 16:8; John
12:36, first part; Eph. 5:6-8, first part.
NoTE.—"Children of light" means the
same as "sons of God," those who bear
their Father's likeness. Matt. 5:9.
"Children of disobedience" means those
who disobey the commandments of God, in
contrast to "children of light," whose whole
manner of life can bear the searchlight of
truth.
3.
How are "the children of light"
distinguished from "the sons of diso-
bedience"? Eph. 5:8 (last part), 9, 10.
The Christian in His Realm
4.
What should be the attitude of
the Christian to the realm of dark-
ness? 2 Cor. 6:17; Eph. 5:11.
NoTE.—"The children of the world are
called the children of darkness. They are
blinded by the god of this world, and are
led by the spirit of the prince of darkness.
They cannot enjoy heavenly things. The
children of light have their affections set on
things above. They leave behind them the
things of this world. They fulfill the com-
mand: 'Come out from among them, and
be ye separate.' Here is the conditional
promise: 'I will receive you.' From the be-
ginning, Christ has chosen His people out
of the world and required them to be sepa-
rate, having no fellowship with the un-
fruitful works of darkness. If they love
God and keep His commandments, they
[7
.1
WE ARE "CHILDREN
OF
LIGHT" WHEN
WE "WALK" IN THE PATH LIGHTED
.38-z
BY MINE TRUTH.
will be far from having the friendship, and
loving the pleasures, of the world. There
is no concord between Christ and Belial."
—Testimonies, vol.
1, p. 279.
5.
What principle should govern
the Christian's relation to unbelievers?
2 Cor. 6:14, first part.
NOTE.—"Do not get into close and in-
congruous relations with unbelievers."—
Goodspeed.
"Become not . . . yoked with one alien
in spirit."—Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown.
The word used here is applied to the cus-
tom of yoking animals of different kinds to-
gether. Deut. 22:10. It is implied in the
use of the word, that there is a dissimilarity
between believers and unbelievers so great
that it is as improper for them to unite as
it is to yoke animals of different kinds and
species.
This injunction has usually been sup-
posed to refer to marriage, but there is no
reason for confining it to marriage. It re-
fers to any other intimate connection—in-
timate friendships, and to participation in
amusements and employments with non-
Christians.
6.
How does Scripture further set
forth this principle of Christian con-
duct? 1 John 2:15; Rom. 12:2.
8
NoTE.—"The followers of Christ are to
separate themselves from sinners, choosing
their society only when there is oppor-
tunity to do them good. We cannot be too
decided in shunning the company of those
who exert an influence to draw us away
from
God."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
459.
"The very word
conformed
suggests the
gradual process by which our alertness to
evil is disarmed; by imperceptible stages
we drift into acquiescence in the things the
world demands. Society as it organizes it-
self apart from God imposes its own stand-
ards, and gradually we come both to judge
and to act as it dictates. There is no
greater weakness in the Christianity of our
day than the fact that so many church
members accept without question the domi-
nant intellectual and social atmosphere of
the age. The corrosives of secularism have
eaten away the imprint of
grace."—The In-
terpreter's Bible,
Romans 12:2.
"That which is eating out the vitals of
God's people is the love of money and
friendship with the
world."—Testimonies,
vol.
2, p. 657.
7.
Why should Christians avoid
unsuitable connections with the
world? 2 Cor. 6:15, 16.
NoTE.—"Nothing can have a more subtle
and positively dangerous influence upon
the mind, and serve more effectually to
banish serious impressions and the convic-
tions of the Spirit of God, than to associate
with those who are vain and careless, and
whose conversation is upon the world and
vanity. The more engaging these persons
may be in other respects, the more dan-
gerous is their influence as companions, be-
cause they throw around an irreligious life
so many pleasing
attractions."—Testimo-
nies,
vol. 3, pp. 42, 43.
Sent Into the World, but not
of the World
8.
In Christ's
intercessory prayer
for His children, how did He con-
sider them in relation to the world?
John 17:15, 16.
9.
How did Jesus exemplify this
principle during His earthly ministry?
Matt. 9:10-13; Luke 7:34, last part.
NOTE.—"Jesus sat as an honored guest
at the table of the publicans, by His sym-
pathy and social kindliness showing that
He recognized the dignity of humanity; and
men longed to become worthy of His con-
fidence. Upon their thirsty hearts His
words fell with blessed, life-giving power.
New impulses were awakened, and the
possibility of a new life opened to these
outcasts of society."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 274.
10.
On what other occasion did Je-
sus demonstrate that He came to the
world to save sinners? Luke 19:5-10.
11.
As the Lord's messengers, where
does He send us to represent Him?
John 17:18.
NorE.—"Abstract meditation is not
enough; busy action is not enough; both
are essential to the formation of Christian
character. Strength acquired in earnest,
secret prayer prepares us to withstand the
allurements of society. And yet we should
not exclude ourselves from the world, for
our Christian experience is to be the light
of the world. The society of unbelievers
will do us no harm if we mingle with them
for the purpose of connecting them with
God and are strong enough spiritually to
withstand their
influence."—Testimonies,
vol. 5,
p. 113.
12.
As the "children of light," what
is expected of us in this world of
darkness? Matt. 5:14-16.
NOTE.—"As the rays of the sun pene-
trate to the remotest corners of the globe,
so God designs that the light of the gospel
shall extend to every soul upon the earth.
If the church of Christ were fulfilling the
purpose of our Lord, light would be shed
upon all that sit in darkness and in the
region and shadow of death. Instead of con-
gregating together and shunning responsi-
bility and cross-bearing, the members of
the church would scatter into all lands,
letting the light of Christ shine out from
them, working as He did for the salvation
of souls, and this 'gospel of the kingdom'
would speedily be carried to all the world."
—The Mount of Blessing,
pages 68, 69.
Lesson 3, for July 19, 1958
The Christian's Banner
MEMORY VERSE:
"Thou host given a banner to
them that fear Thee, that it may be
displayed because of the truth." Ps. 60:4.
STUDY HELPS:
"Prophets and Kings," pages 479-490, 506-513; "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and
Herald" of July 3.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-8.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9-12.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Read from Study Helps.
❑
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
[9
7
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. God's Banner
1.
A banner given. Ps. 60:4, first part.
2.
"The Lord is my banner." Ex.
17:14, 15.
3.
"The Lord thy God." Ex. 20:2, 5,
7, 10, 12.
4.
Satan's counterfeit. Rom. 1:25.
II. The Rallying Point for God's People
5. The center of truth. Ps. 60:4, last
part.
6.
The exalted standard. Isa. 49:22.
7.
Christ the truth. John 14:6.
8.
Those with Christ, faithful. Rev.
17:14.
Ill. The Christian and God's Banner
9.
Depart from iniquity. 2 Tim.
2:19; Matt. 7:21.
10.
Loyalty, allegiance. Dan. 1:8;
3:16-18.
11.
Honored of God. Dan. 1:17.
12.
Faithfulness in both small and
great things. Matt. 25:21; Luke'
16:10.
THE LESSON
Introduction
God has set up a banner, or rallying
point, for His people. Success or failure in
this life largely depends upon the Christian's
relation to the standard (banner) that has
been displayed.
God's Banner
1.
By what symbol does God de-
scribe the manifestations of His truth?
Ps. 60:4, first part.
NOTE.-"Banner"
or "a standard," "an
ensign," "a signal," "a sign." A banner is
for display, an ensign or symbol of victory.
Banners or standards have played a revo-
lutionary and decisive part in the shaping
of human history. Because of God's faith-
fulness to His promises He gives His people
a standard by which to lift up His truth
and holiness.
The task of finding a true image whereby
to express truth has been the supreme task
of thought from the dawn of history until
now.
2.
On what occasion early in the
history of God's people was God's
banner especially displayed? Ex. 17:
14, 15. See margin.
NOTE.-"Jehovah-nissi.
. . . The name of
Moses' altar meant 'the Lord is my banner'
and was intended to glorify God for victory
over the Amalekites. 'The rod of God' (Ex.
17:9) had been held up by Moses during
the battle as soldiers hold up their stand-
ards, and as soldiers follow the standard,
Israel had followed the directions of God.
Thus, the Lord became their standard."-
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary, vol.
1, p. 587.
3.
What banner is set up in the
midst of the Ten Commandments? Ex.
20:2, 5, 7, 10, 12.
NoTE.-The expression "the Lord thy
God" appears five times in the Decalogue.
The importance of this title is especially
emphasized in the first commandment:
"Thou shalt have no other gods before
Me." Ex. 20:3.
4.
How has Satan endeavored to
set up a counterfeit banner? Rom.
1:25.
NoTE.-Satan set about to change the
truth of God into a lie by setting up the
creature as the object of worship, instead
of the Creator. See 2 Kings 23:4, 5.
[ 10 ]
MARCHING UNDER CHRIST'S BANNER,
EVERY CHRISTIAN WILL SHOW
3058
THE
SAME
EMBLEM IN HIS
LIFE.
The Rallying Point for God's People
5.
According to the psalmist, why
was the Lord's banner to be dis-
played? Ps. 60:4, last part.
NorE.—"Because of truth." Truth is
profoundly personal in its character. It
has no meaning apart from persons and
their response to it. Truth as a banner is
more than truth inscribed on a badge; one
may be orthodox, wear the badge, yet be a
pure pagan at heart and in life. To be a
Christian indeed means to follow truth's
banner where it leads: to submit to Christ's
Lordship in our lives whatever the cost. It
is a question of choosing the banner under
which to serve: whether that of God or of
the devil.
At the Diet of Worms Luther was asked
to give a candid reply to the question: "Do
you or do you not repudiate your books
and the errors which they contain?" Lu-
ther replied, "My conscience is captive to
the word of God. I cannot and I will not
recant anything, for to go against con-
science is neither right nor safe. Here I
stand, I cannot do otherwise, God help
me. Amen."
6.
Under what standard does the
Holy Spirit gather God's people for
the final victory? Isa. 49:22. Com-
pare 59:19.
•
NOTE.—"In
vision I saw two armies in
terrible conflict. One army was led by ban-
ners bearing the world's insignia; the other
was lead by the bloodstained banner of
Prince Immanuel. Standard after standard
was left to trail in the dust as company
after company from the Lord's army joined
the foe and tribe after tribe from the ranks
of the enemy united with the command-
ment-keeping people of
God."—Testimo-
nies,
vol. 8, p. 41.
"God's people are to keep His command-
ments, discarding all worldly policy. Hav-
ing adopted right principles of action, they
are to reverence these principles; for they
are heaven-born. Obedience to God is of
more value to you than gold or silver.
Yoking up with Christ, learning His meek-
ness and lowliness, cuts short many a con-
flict; for when the enemy comes in like a
flood, the Spirit of the Lord lifts up a
standard against
him."—Ibid.,
p. 95.
7.
In what relationship does Christ
stand to the truth, or the banner of
truth? John 14:6.
NorE.—"By His humanity, Christ touched
humanity; by His divinity, He lays hold
upon the throne of God. As the Son of
man, He gave us an example of obedience;
as the Son of God, He gives us power to
obey. . . . He declared Himself the I AM.
. . . 'I AM the Way, the Truth, and the
Life.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 24.
8.
What description is given of
those who stand with Christ in the
final victory? Rev. 17:14.
NOTE.—They are
called
by Christ to be
His followers, and to uphold the principles
of His kingdom.
They are
chosen
by the Saviour, because
they have proved their steadfastness in
adhering to the truth and can therefore be
relied upon in the warfare against the
powers of evil.
"And
faithful."
In times of temptations
and persecution they have shown them-
selves faithful to the Captain of their sal-
vation.
11)
"In the midst of the time of trouble,—
trouble such as has not been since there was
a nation,—His chosen ones will stand un-
moved. Satan with all the hosts of evil
cannot destroy the weakest of God's saints.
Angels that excel in strength will protect
them, and in their behalf Jehovah will re-
veal Himself as a 'God of gods,' able to
save to the uttermost those who have put
their trust in
Him."—Prophets and Kings,
page 513.
The Christian and God's Banner
9.
What manner of life will those
manifest who belong to Christ? 2
Tim. 2:19; Matt. 7:21.
NOTE.—"Let everyone who names the
name of the Lord give up
evil."—The Bi-
ble: A New Translation,
by James Moffatt.
Copyright 1922, 1935, and 1950 by Harper
& Brothers. Used by permission.
"Everywhere are seen wrecks of hu-
manity, neglected family altars, broken-up
families. There is a strange abandonment of
principle, a lowering of the standard of
morality; the sins are fast increasing which
caused the judgments of God to be poured
upon the earth in the Flood and in the
destruction of Sodom by fire. We are near-
ing the end. God has borne long with the
perversity of mankind, but their punish-
ment is no less certain. Let those who pro-
fess to be the light of the world depart from
all
iniquity."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 601.
10.
What special characteristics
were seen in the lives of Daniel and
his three companions as they wit-
nessed for God in the courts of Baby-
lon? Dan. 1:8; 3:16-18.
NOTE.—"Among the children of Israel
who were carried captive to Babylon at the
beginning of the seventy years' captivity
were Christian patriots, men who were as
true as steel to principle, who would not
be corrupted by selfishness, but who would
honor God at the loss of all things."—
Prophets and Kings,
page 479.
"Among those who maintained their al-
legiance to God were Daniel and his three
companions,—illustrious examples of what
men may become who unite with the God
of wisdom and power."—Ibid., p. 480.
11.
What was the result of faith-
fulness to God as manifested by Dan-
iel and his companions? Dan. 1:17.
NoTE.—"The Lord regarded with ap-
proval the firmness and self-denial of the
Hebrew youth, and their purity of motive;
and His blessing attended them. . . .
"In physical strength and beauty, in
mental vigor and literary attainment, they
stood unrivaled. The erect form, the firm,
elastic step, the fair countenance, the un-
dimmed senses, the untainted breath,—all
were so many certificates of good habits,
insignia of the nobility with which nature
honors those who are obedient to her laws."
—Prophets and Kings,
pages 484, 485.
12.
What great quality fitted Dan-
iel and his associates for positions of
trust and honor? Matt. 25:21; Luke
16:10.
NorE.—"God brought Daniel and his as-
sociates into connection with the great men
of Babylon, that in the midst of a nation
of idolaters they might represent His char-
acter."—Prophets and Kings,
page 487.
Lesson 4, for July 26, 1958
The Christian Home
MEMORY VERSE:
"Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it:
except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Ps. 127:1.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Adventist Home," pages 31-39, 105-113, 187-189, 292-325;
"The Ministry of Healing," pages 349-394; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of July 10.
[ 12 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey. D
reading from Study Helps.
D
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Thursday: Read further from Study
Monday: Questions 5-8.
❑
Helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9-12.
0
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Wednesday: Questions 13, 14; begin
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. A Moral Citadel
1.
The Christian home likened to a
temple or palace. Ps. 144:12.
2.
The Lord: Architect and Builder.
Ps. 127:1.
3.
Place of influence. Gen. 18:18, 19.
4.
Under God's shelter. Zech. 2:4, 5;
Ps. 125:2.
II. Proving Ground of Ideals
5.
The marriage vow. Mal. 2:14-16.
6.
A fundamental question. Amos 3:3.
7.
Conditions for happiness. Col.
3:18, 19.
8.
Parents' precept and example.
Deut. 6:7.
III. Blessing of Ideals in the Home
9.
Promise to obedient children.
Eph. 6:1-3.
10.
Admonition to fathers. Eph. 6:4.
11.
Cause of discouragement. Col.
3:21.
12.
Love in discipline. Prov. 13:24.
13.
Honored by children. Prov. 22:6.
14.
Example: Joseph. Gen. 49:22-26.
THE LESSON
society, the success of the church, the pros-
perity of the nation, depend upon home in-
fluences."-The
Ministry
of
Healing,
page
349.
2. Upon whom is the Christian
home to be founded? Ps. 127:1.
Introduction
The home is the Christian's moral cita-
del where ideals meet their severest test. It
is the first line of defense against the foes
from without as well as from within. If
the home is not governed by Christian
moral principles, the moral forces have
suffered their greatest single defeat.
A Moral Citadel
1. To what does Scripture liken
the Christian home? Ps. 144:12.
Nora.-"The restoration and uplifting of
humanity begins in the home. The work
of parents underlies every other. Society is
composed of families, and is what the heads
of families make it. Out of the heart are
`the issues of life;' and the heart of the
community, of the church, and of the na-
tion is the household. The well-being of
NoTE.-Doubtless the Spirit
of
the Lord
chose a wording of this scripture which
would always remind the reader that the
building of a home is as important as the
building of a house of worship. We are told
that the words, "a son," "a daughter," and
"a house" all come from the same Hebrew
word which means "to build." '
"Fathers and mothers who make God
first in their households, who teach their
children that the fear of the Lord is the be-
ginning of wisdom, glorify God before an-
gels and before men by presenting to the
world a well-ordered, well-disciplined
family-a family that love and obey God
instead of rebelling against Him. Christ is
[131
not a stranger in their homes; His name is
a household name, revered and glorified.
Angels delight in a home where God reigns
supreme and the children are taught to rev-
erence religion, the Bible, and their Crea-
tor. Such families can claim the promise,
`Them that honor Me I will honor.'
"—The
Adventist Home,
pages 27, 28.
3.
What example of home training
and influence is given us in Abra-
ham's experience? Gen. 18:18, 19.
NoTE.—"One well-ordered, well-disci-
plined family tells more in behalf of Chris-
tianity than all the sermons that can be
preached. Such a family gives evidence that
the parents have been successful in follow-
ing God's directions, and that their children
will serve Him in the church."—The
Ad-
ventist Home,
page 32.
It has been well said: "Win the family
for Christian living and the world is won."
4.
What precious promises did
God make to Jerusalem which we may
claim for the home where God is wor-
shiped? Zech. 2:4, 5; Ps. 125:2.
NoTE.—The walls of ancient Jerusalem
were no shelter for the temple without the
keeping power of God. Likewise, today, the
artificial safeguards around the family—
accepted social standards, the influence of
the school and church, the power of the
police, are no sure protection against the
destructive forces of our times, without the
abiding presence and blessing of the Lord
"as a wall of fire round about."
Proving Ground of Ideals
5.
What strong admonition does
the Lord give concerning the sacred-
ness of marriage? Mal. 2:14-16.
NoTE.—"It should henceforth be the life
study of both husband and wife how to
avoid everything that creates contention
and to keep unbroken the marriage vows."
—The Adventist Home,
page 85.
6.
What fundamental question of
human relationships does the Lord
propound? Amos 3:3.
NoTE.—A satisfactory marriage relation-
ship is postulated on mutual understanding
and agreement on basic issues. As husband
and wife walk together in the Lord they
will find their lives continuing to blend in
greater unity.
"To gain a proper understanding of the
marriage relation is the work of a life-
time. Those who marry enter a school
from which they are never in this life to
be graduated.
"However carefully and wisely marriage
may have been entered into, few couples
are completely united when the marriage
ceremony is performed. The real union of
the two in wedlock is the work of the after
years."—The
Adventist Home,
page 105.
7.
What basic relationship between
husband and wife is essential for
happiness? Col. 3:18, 19.
NoTE.—Love, companionship, and agree-
ment are the basis for happiness in mar-
riage.
"As life with its burden of perplexity and
care meets the newly wedded pair, the ro-
mance with which imagination so often in-
vests marriage disappears. Husband and
wife learn each other's character as it was
impossible to learn it in their previous as-
sociation. This is a most critical period in
their experience. The happiness and use-
fulness of their whole future life depend
upon their taking a right course now. Often
they discern in each other unsuspected
weaknesses and defects; but the hearts that
love has united will discern excellencies
also heretofore unknown. Let all seek to
discover the excellencies rather than the
defects. Often it is our own attitude, the
atmosphere that surrounds ourselves, which
determines what will be revealed to us in
another."—The
Adventist Home,
page 105.
8.
Upon whom rests the responsi-
bility of teaching Christian standards
and ideals in the home? Deut. 6:7.
[ 14 ]
A
CHRISTIAN HOME
IS A
BIT OF
HEAVEN ON EARTH -- THE PROVING
,„(RROUNO OF TRUE LOVE FOR GOD
AND MAN.
NOTE.—"In
His wisdom the Lord has de-
creed that the family shall be the greatest
of all educational agencies. It is in the
home that the education of the child is to
begin. Here is his first school. Here, with
his parents as instructors, he is to learn the
lessons that are to guide him throughout
life—lessons of respect, obedience, rever-
ence, self-control."—The
Adventist Home,
page 182.
Blessing of Ideals in the Home
9. What special promise is made to
children who honor and obey their
parents "in the Lord"? Eph. 6:1-3.
Compare Deut. 5:16.
NOTE.—"This
is the first commandment
with promise. It is binding upon child-
hood and youth, upon the middle-aged
and the aged. There is no period in life
when children are excused from honoring
their parents. This solemn obligation is
binding upon every son and daughter and
is one of the conditions to their prolonging
their lives upon the land which the Lord
will give the faithful."—The
Adventist
Home,
page 292.
" 'Children, obey your parents in all
things: for this is well-pleasing unto the
Lord.' Children who dishonor and disobey
their parents, and disregard their advice
and instructions, can have no part in the
earth made new. The purified new earth
will be no place for the rebellious, the dis-
obedient, the ungrateful son or daughter."
—Ibid.,
p. 295.
10.
What strong admonition does
God give to fathers? Eph. 6:4.
NOTE.—"The
father should enforce in his
family the sterner virtues--energy, integrity,
honesty, patience, courage, diligence, and
practical usefulness. And what he requires
of his children he himself should practice,
illustrating these virtues in his own manly
bearing."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page
391.
11.
What disastrous results may
come from the harshness of parents?
Col. 3:21.
Nora.—"But, fathers, do not discourage
your children. Combine affection with au-
thority, kindness and sympathy with firm
restraint. Give some of your leisure hours
to your children; become acquainted with
them; associate with them in their work
and in their sports, and win their confi-
dence. Cultivate friendship with them,
especially with your sons. In this way you
will be a strong influence for good."—The
Ministry of Healing,
pages 391, 392.
"Never should parents cause their chil-
dren pain by harshness or unreasonable ex-
actions. Harshness drives souls into Satan's
net. . . .
"Words that intimidate, creating fear and
expelling love from the soul, are to be re-
strained. A wise, tender, God-fearing fa-
ther will bring, not a slavish fear, but an
element of love into the home. . . .
"Harsh words sour the temper and wound
the hearts of children, and in some cases
these wounds are difficult to heal. Children
are sensitive to the least injustice, and some
become discouraged under
it."—The Ad-
ventist Home,
page 308.
12.
In what spirit should correc-
tion be administered to children?
Prov. 13:24. Compare Heb. 12:6.
[ 15 ]
NorE.—"If parents work in patience and
love, earnestly endeavoring to help their
children to reach the highest standard of
purity and modesty, they will succeed."—
The Adventist Home,
page 208.
"To manifest severity and to be exacting
with children are great mistakes. Uniform
firmness and unimpassioned control are
necessary to the discipline of every family.
Say what you mean calmly, move with
consideration, and carry out what you say
without deviation.
"It will pay to manifest affection in your
association with your children. Do not re-
pel them by lack of sympathy in their
childish sports, joys, and griefs. Never let
a frown gather upon your brow or a harsh
word escape your lips. God writes all
these words in His book of records."—
Ibid.,
p. 309.
13. What will be the result of the
right kind of training and discipline
in the life of the child? Prov. 22:6.
Compare Heb. 12:9, 11.
NOTE.—"The training that Solomon en-
joins is to direct, educate, develop. But in
order for parents to do this work, they
must themselves understand the
'way'
the
child should
go."—Counsels to Teachers,
page 108.
"Parents should themselves be con-
verted and know what it is to be in sub-
mission to God's will, . . . before they can
rightly represent the government that God
designs should exist in the family."—The
Adventist Home,
page 306.
14. How was God's promised
blessing upon those who honor Him
fulfilled in the life of Joseph? Gen.
49:22-26.
NOTE.—"By communion with God
through nature and the study of the great
truths handed down as a sacred trust from
father to son, he [Joseph] had gained
strength of mind and firmness of principle.
"In the crisis of his life, when making
that terrible journey from his childhood
home in Canaan to the bondage which
awaited him in Egypt, looking for the last
time on the hills that hid the tents of his
kindred, Joseph remembered his father's
God. He remembered the lessons of his
childhood, and his soul thrilled with the
resolve to prove himself true—ever to act
as became a subject of the King of heaven."
—Education,
page 52.
Lesson 5, for August 2, 1958
Christian Character
MEMORY VERSE:
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious prom-
ises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped
the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4.
STUDY HELPS:
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 328-333; "Education," pages 225-
229; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson
Help in "Review and Herald" of July 17.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 12-14.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
❑
Monday:
Questions 5-8.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9-11.
❑
116
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. Fruitage of Character
1.
Fruit: glorifies God. John 15:8, 16.
2.
"The divine nature," the abiding
treasure. 1 Cor. 3:13, 14; 2 Peter
M.
1:2-4.
3.
Character development. 2 Peter
1:5-8.
4.
"Trees of righteousness." Isa. 61:3.
5.
Perfection. Matt. 5:48.
11. God's Standard of Character
6.
Perfect Law. Ps. 19:7-10.
7.
The foundation of character. Deut.
6:24; Luke 10:27.
8.
Love. Rom. 13:10; Gal. 5:14.
9.
Obedience and love. John 14:21;
13:34.
10.
Discipleship and love. John 13:35.
Blessing of Obedience
11.
The law of obedience. Isa. 1:19, 20.
12.
Blessing after obedience. Heb.
10:36; Ps. 19:11; Rev. 22:14.
13.
Fruit in season. Ps. 1:1-3.
14.
Receiving His name. Rev. 22:4;
2 Tim. 2:19.
THE LESSON
the character. The coming of Christ does
not change our characters; it only fixes
them forever beyond all change."-Testi-
monies, vol.
5, p. 466.
3. What eight divine attributes
does Peter name in the development
of Christian character? 2 Peter 1:5-8.
Introduction
Character is the fruit of the Christian
life. It is rooted and grounded in the moral
law of God. This law must be operative in
the everyday life, where character is de-
veloped.
Fruitage of Character
1.
How can the Christian best glo-
rify his heavenly Father? John 15:
8, 16.
NOTE.-"
'Herein is My Father glorified,'
said Jesus, 'that ye bear much fruit.' God
desires to manifest through you the holi-
ness, the benevolence, the compassion of.
His own character."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 677.
2.
What only can those who are
saved from the world take with them
to heaven? 1 Cor. 3:13, 14; 2 Peter
1:2-4.
NoTE.-"It is a solemn thing to die, but
a far more solemn thing to live. Every
thought and word and deed of our lives
will meet us again. What we make of our-
selves in probationary time, that we must
remain to all eternity. Death brings disso-
lution to the body, but makes no change in
NOTE.-"Christ's
humanity was united
with divinity; He was fitted for the con-
flict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
And He, came to make us partakers of the
divine nature. So long as we are united to
Him by faith, sin has no more dominion
over us. God reaches for the hand of faith
in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the
divinity of Christ, that we may attain to
perfection of character."-The
Desire of
Ages,
page 123.
4.
By what symbol does Isaiah set
forth the fruitage of character in the
lives of God's children? Isa. 61:3.
5.
What is the goal of Christian
character development? Matt. 5:48.
NcrrE.-"The ideal of Christian character
is Christlikeness. As the Son of man was
perfect in His life, so His followers are to
117]
GENUINE CHRISTIAN
CHARACTER STANDS
UPON THE FOUNDATION
OF OBEDIENCE TO
GOO'S LAW.
be perfect in their
life."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 311.
"By His perfect obedience He has made
it possible for every human being to obey
God's commandments. When we submit
ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with
His heart, the will is merged in His will,
the mind becomes one with His mind, the
thoughts are brought into captivity to Him;
we live His life. This is what it means to
be clothed with the garment of His right-
eousness, . . . which is perfect obedience
to the law of
Jehovah."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
page 312.
God's Standard of Character
6.
In what perfect standard is the
character of God revealed? Ps. 19:
7 -10.
NOTE.—"We
have only a glimmering
light in regard to the exceeding breadth of
the law of God. . . . Many of those who
claim to believe the testing truths for these
last days, act as though God took no note
of their disrespect of, and manifest disobe-
dience to, the principles of His holy law.
The law is the expression of His will, and
it is through obedience to that law that
God proposes to accept the children of men
as His sons and daughters."—E. G. White,
in
Review and Herald,
Feb. 4, 1890.
7.
What is the only true foundation
of character building? Deut. 6:24;
Luke 10:27.
NOTE.—"The
law of love being the foun-
dation of the government of God, the hap-
piness of all intelligent beings depends upon
their perfect accord with its great principles
of righteousness."—Patriarchs
and Proph-
ets,
page 34.
"In every generation and in every land
the true foundation and pattern for charac-
ter building have been the same. The di-
vine law, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy
God with all thy heart; . . . and thy
neighbor as thyself' (Luke 10:27), the great
principle made manifest in the character
and life of our Saviour, is the only secure
foundation and the only sure guide."—Edu-
cation,
pages 228, 229.
8.
What divine characteristic in
Christian living fulfills the law? Rom.
13:10; Gal. 5:14.
NoTE.—Christian love means: to do good
as Jesus did; to be a good neighbor to any
person in need of help, even to our enemy.
It involves forgiveness and reconciliation
without resentment or any attempt at re-
taliation.
"Love is very patient, very kind. Love
knows no jealousy; love makes no parade,
gives itself no airs, is never rude, never
selfish, never irritated, never resentful; love
is never glad when others go wrong, love
is gladdened by goodness, always slow to
expose, always eager to believe the best, al-
ways hopeful, always patient. Love never
disappears."-1 Cor. 13:4-8,
The Bible: A
New Translation,
by James Moffatt. Copy-
right 1922, 1935, and 1950 by Harper &
Brothers. Used by permission.
9.
What is the relationship between
love and obedience? John 14:21;
13:34.
NoTE.—The right disposition—the dispo-
sition of love—also produces the right act.
The attitude of love vitally affects every
kind of human conduct.
1181
10.
What is further proof that we
are children of God? John 13:35.
NOTE.—"When men are bound together,
not by force or self-interest, but by love,
they show the working of an influence that
is above every human influence. Where
this oneness exists, it is evidence that the
image of God is being restored in hu-
manity, that a
new
principle of life has
been implanted. It shows that there is
power in the divine nature to withstand the
supernatural agencies of evil, and that the
grace of God subdues the selfishness in-
herent in the natural heart."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 678.
A Christian once made it possible for one
who had harmed him grievously to have a
greatly desired position. A •brother com-
mented: "I see this afternoon you heaped
coals of fire upon the head of the person
who wronged you."
"No," replied the Christian, "by that act
of graciousness I was simply putting out
some smoldering embers of desire in my
own life." When love meets hatred it al-
ways conquers.
Blessing of Obedience
11.
What is the fruit of obedience
and of disobedience? Isa. 1:19, 20.
Nom.—"Isaiah here sets forth the fruit-
age of obedience. A life of joy and bless-
edness is the natural result of obedience to
the laws of God, for God cannot bless those
who do not do their best. The joys of
heaven are not arbitrary gifts of God to
those who follow Him, but the natural re-
sult of compliance with His requirements."
—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary,
vol. 4, p. 99.
12.
When only may we expect to
enjoy the fulfillment of God's prom-
ises? Heb. 10:36; Ps. 19:11; Rev.
22:14.
NOTE.—"Obedience was the only condi-
tion upon which ancient Israel was to re-
ceive the fulfillment of the promises that
made them the highly favored people of
God; and obedience to that law would
bring as great blessings to individuals and
nations now as it would have brought to
the Hebrews."—E. G. White, in
Signs of
the Times,
Jan. 10, 1911.
13.
How are the fruitfulness and
happiness which folloiv willing obe-
dience to God's law described? Ps.
1:1-3-
NOTE.—"It is only as the law of God is
restored to its rightful position that there
can be a revival of primitive faith and god-
liness among His professed people."—The
Great Controversy,
page 478.
14.
Whose name will be given
those who have fully identified them-
selves with God's will? Rev. 22:4; 2
Tim. 2:19.
Lesson 6, for August 9, 1958
The Conscience
MEMORY VERSE: "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the
eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from
dead works to serve the living God?" Heb. 9:14.
STUDY HELPS: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 47-56; "Steps to Christ," pages 89-
96; "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 458-461; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of
July 24.
[191
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-8.
Tuesday: Questions 9-11.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; begin
Check Here
reading from Study Helps.
❑
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. Conscience
1.
Defined. 1 Sam. 24:5 ; Rom. 2:15.
2.
Two types. 1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 10:22.
3.
Purified. Heb. 9:14.
4.
A guide. Isa. 30:21; Rom. 9:1.
II. Guidance of the Holy Spirit
5.
Agent in regeneration. Titus 3:5.
6.
Directed by. 2 Cor. 1:22; Rom.
8:26, 27.
7.
Through divine truth. 1 Cor. 2:
9-12 ; John 16:13.
8.
As eyes of God. Ps. 32:8; Prov.
15:3.
III. Moral Attainment
9. Through Holy Spirit. Rom. 9:1;
8:14.
10. Through exercise. Acts 24:16.
11. Not to violate conscience.
1 Tim. 4:2.
12. Conviction of wrong. John 8:8; 9;
Rev. 6:15-17.
13. Satisfaction registered. Acts 23:1;
2 Cor. 1:12.
"Conscience. Sense or consciousness of
right or wrong; sense or conciousness of
the moral goodness or blameworthiness of
one's own conduct, intentions, or character,
together with a feeling of obligation to do
or be that which is recognized as. good;-
often with special reference to feelings of
guilt or remorse for
ill-doing."-Webster's
Unabridged Dictionary.
Introduction
THE LESSON
a.
A good conscience. 1 Tim. 1:5.
b.
An evil conscience. Heb. 10:22.
NOTE.
-"A
good conscience" is one void
of offense, pure, purged from dead works
(Heb. 9:14), free from the guilt of sin
(Heb. 10:2), one sensitive to right and
wrong.
An evil conscience does not perform its
office aright; it is hardened (1 Tim. 4:2),
and is incapable of judging its own actions
(Titus 1:15). It cannot be relied upon.
3. What must take place in
the
conscience to enable it to distinguish
between right and wrong? Heb. 9:14.
Conscience
1.
How does the Bible describe the
activity of the conscience? 1 Sam.
24:5; Rom. 2:15.
Nom.-"COnscience is the voice of
God,
heard amid the conflict of human passions;
when it is resisted, the. Spirit of God .is
grieved."-Testintonies, vol. 5,
p.
120.
2.
What two types of conscience
are mentioned in the word of God?
NOTE.
-"We
can no more repent without
the Spirit of Christ to awaken the con-
science than we can be pardoned without.
Christ."-Steps
to Christ,
page 30.
"Whenever they, [men] make an effort to
reform, from a sincere desire to do right,
it is the power of Christ that is drawing
them. An influence of which they are un-
conscious works upon the soul, and the
conscience is quickened, and the outward
life is amended. And as Christ draws them
[ 20.]
A
COD
CONSCIENCE IS AN INSTRU-
MENT TO GUIDE THE PLANE OF LIFE "THROUGH
DARKNESS AND CHAOS TO SAFE LANDING.
5451,6
to look upon His cross, to behold Him
whom their sins have pierced, the com-
mandment comes home to the conscience."
—Ibid.,
p. 31.
4.
How does enlightened con-
science help the individual decide his
course of action? Isa. 30:21; Rom. 9:1.
NOTE.—"Daily review of our acts, to see
whether conscience approves or condemns,
is necessary for all who wish to arrive at the
perfection of Christian character."—Testi-
monies, vol.
2, p. 512.
Guidance of the Holy Spirit
5.
Who is the active agent in the
work of regeneration? Titus 3:5.
NOTE.—"The Spirit is given as a regener-
ating agency, to make effectual the salva-
tion wrought by the death of our Re-
deemer."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page
52.
"Through this simple act of believing
God, the Holy Spirit has begotten a new
life in your
heart."—Steps to Christ,
page
56.
6.
What power operates in the life
of the individual when the mind is
yielded to the Lord? 2 Cor. 1:22; Rom.
$:26, 27.
NOTE.—"If • men are willing to be molded,
there will be brought about a sanctification
of the whole being. The Spirit will take
the things of .God and stamp them on the
soul. By His power the way .of life will
be made
•
so plain that none need err there-
in."—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 53.
"God has provided divine assistance for
all emergencies to which our human re-
sources are unequal. He gives the Holy
Spirit to help in every strait, to strengthen
our hope and assurance, to illuminate our
minds and purify our
hearts."—Testimo-
nies,
vol. 6, p. 415.
7., What sources of knowledge and
understanding are made available to
man through the ministry of the Holy
Spirit? 1 Cor. 2:9-12; John 16:13.
NOTE.—"The Holy Spirit exalts and
glorifies the Saviour. It is His office to pre-
sent Christ, the purity of His righteousness,
and the great salvation that we have
through Him. Jesus says, 'He shall re-
ceive of Mine, and shall show it unto you.'
John 16:14. The Spirit of truth is the only
effectual teacher of divine truth. How
must God esteem the human race, since He
gave His Son to die for them, and appoints
His Spirit to be man's teacher and con-
tinual
guide."—Steps to Christ,
page 96.
8.
In what striking symbolism does
the Bible picture the operation of the
Holy Spirit through the conscience?
Ps. 32:8; Prov. 15:3.
NoTE.—"I will guide thee with Mine eye."
As "the eyes of the Lord are in every
place," surveying man's conduct at all
times, so the Holy Spirit works with the
regenerated conscience to guide the Chris-
tian in the way he should go.
Moral Attainment
9.
When is it safe to let conscience
be our guide? Rom. 9:1; 8:14.
NOTE.—"Conscience is not infallible.
Hence it needs to be trained, kept enlight-
ened, learning to be conscientious about
21 ]
life, and self-critical of its judgment. . . .
A too self-confident conscience is a moral
peril. It becomes stunted unless it tran-
scends itself. It must face the reality of its
own possible shortcoming."—Vergilius Ferm,
Encyclopedia of Religion,
page 198.
"At times reason and conscience remon-
strate, and you feel rebuked because of
your course; your soul longs after holiness
and the surety of heaven; the din of the
world looks repulsive to you, and you put
it aside and cherish the Spirit of God.
Then, again, your worldly propensity comes
in, and overrules everything. You will
surely have to meet the assaults of Satan,
and you should prepare for them by
firmly resisting your inclination."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 4, pp. 351, 352.
10.
In what ways must constant
vigilance be exercised in order for
one to have a good conscience? Acts
24:16.
11.
How does repeated violation
adversely affect the conscience? 1 Tim.
4:2.
NoTE.—"When a person once neglects to
heed the invitations, reproofs, and warn-
ings of the Spirit of God, his conscience be-
comes seared, and the next time he is ad-
monished, it will be more difficult to yield
obedience than before. And thus with every
repetition."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 120.
"The appetites and passions should be
restricted and under the control of enlight-
ened conscience, that the intellect may be
unimpaired, the perceptive powers clear, so
that the workings of Satan and his snares
may not be interpreted to be the imoVidence
of
God."—Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 491.
"When intoxicants are used, the same ef-
fects will follow as in the case of those
priests of Israel. The conscience will lose
its sensibility to sin, and a process of hard-
ening to iniquity will most certainly take
place, till the common and the sacred will
lcse all difference of significance. How can
we then meet the standard of the divine re-
quirements?"—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 362.
12.
How does the evil, guilty con-
science react in the presence of the
justice and holiness of God? John 8:
8, 9; Rev. 6:15-17.
13.
What experience is enjoyed by
those who have a conscience "void of
offense"? Acts 23:1; 2 Cor. 1:12.
NOTE.—"Now it is a matter of pride to
us—endorsed by our conscience—that our
activities in this world, particularly our
dealings with you, have been absolutely
above board and sincere and have not been
marked by any 'cleverness.'" 2 Cor. 1:12.
—J. B. Phillips,
Letters to Young Churches.
Copyright 1947 by The Macmillan Com-
pany. Used by permission.
"The greatest want of the world is the
want of men—men who will not be bought
or sold, men who in their inmost souls are
true and honest, men who do not fear to
call sin by its right name, men whose con-
science is as true to duty as the needle to
the pole, men who will stand for the
right though the heavens
fall."—Education,
page 57.
Lesson 7, for August 16, 1958
Christian Education
MEMORY VERSE:
"But the
wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without par-
tiality, and without hypocrisy." James
3:17.
STUDY HELPS:
"Education," pages 13-19, 28-30, 225-229; "The Seventh-day Ad-
•
ventist Bible Commentary," on lesson
texts;
Lesson Help in "Review and
Herald" of July 31.
[ 22 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 12-14.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
❑
Monday: Questions
5
-
8.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9-11.
❑
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. Sources of and Basis for Moral
Attainment
1.
Every provision made. Rom. 8:32 ;
2 Peter 1:3.
2.
Christ reflected God. John 17:3, 4;
2 Cor. 4:6.
3.
Basis of education. Luke 10:27;
John 14:23.
4.
The scope of knowledge. Ps. 19:1,
2; Rom. 1:20; Ps. 111:2.
5.
Inexhaustible fund. Rom. 11:33 ;
Job 11:7; Ps. 92:5.
II. Religious Education
6. From God's treasure. Isa. 55:8, 9;
Col. 2:2, 3.
7. Spiritual abundance. John 10:10.
8. From above. James 3:11, 17 ; Jer.
2:13.
9.
On fear of God. Prov. 9:10; Dan.
2:20-22.
III. Transforming Power of Christian
Education
10.
Restoration of mind. Rom. 12:2 ;
Col. 3:10.
11. Growth in God's similitude. Eph.
4:15, 23, 24.
12. Follows obedience, co-operation.
Ps. 78:1; Isa. 51:4.
IV. Responsible Agents
13. Parents and church. Ps. 78:5-8;
Acts 20:28.
14. Rewards for. Dan. 12:3.
THE LESSON
rempiuctie.n
Christian education is God's special pro-
vision for supplementing the efforts of the
home in attaining the ideals and standards
of heaven. It translates life into its highest
usefulness in this world and in the life to
come.
Sources of and Basis for Moral
Attainment
1. What bountiful provision has
God made for man's salvation and at-
tainment of Christian character? Rom.
8:32; 2 Peter 1:3.
NcrrE.-God, having given us the Gift of
gifts in His only-begotten Son, made sure
that all lesser gifts were included in the
One, In Him has been given us all things
needful for life and godliness.
2.
How did Christ reveal the per-
fect character of God while He was
here upon earth? John 17:3, 4; 2 Cor.
4:6.
NOTE.-"Through
the Saviour's sacrifice,
communion with God is again made possi-
ble. We may not in person approach into
His presence; in our sin we may not look
upon His face; but we can behold Him and
commune with Him in Jesus, the Saviour.
`The light of the knowledge of the glory of
God' is revealed 'in the face of Jesus
Christ.'
"-Education,
page 28.
3.
What should be our basic atti-
tude toward God and toward our
fellow men? Luke 10:27; John 14:23.
[ 23 ]
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IS A SERIOUS TASK--
IT TUR N5 THE EYES OF THE CHILD TOWARD
E ULTIMATE GOAL-- AVE
NOTE.—"Love,
the basis of creation and
of redemption, is the basis of true educa-
tion. This is made plain in the law that
God has given as the guide of life. The first
and great commandment is, 'Thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy
strength, and with all thy mind.' Luke
10:27. To love Him, the infinite, the om-
niscient One, with the whole strength, and
mind, and heart, means the highest de-
velopment of every power. It means that
in the whole being—the body, the mind,
as well as the soul—the image of God is
to be restored."—Education, page 16.
4.
Aside from the life of Christ,
what other source of true knowledge
is at our disposal? Ps. 19:1, 2; Rom.
1:20; Ps. 111:2.
NorE.—"Nature testifies of God. The
susceptible mind, brought in contact with
the miracle and mystery of the universe,
cannot but recognize the working of in-
finite power. Not by its own inherent en-
ergy does the earth produce its bounties,
and year by year continue its motion
around the sun. An unseen hand guides the
planets in their circuit of the heavens. A
mysterious life pervades all nature—a life
that sustains the unnumbered worlds
throughout immensity, that lives in the
insect atom which floats in the summer
breeze, that wings the flight of the swallow
and feeds the young ravens which cry, that
brings the bud to blossom and the flower to
fruit."—Education,
page 99.
"The book of nature and the written word
shed light upon each other. They make us
acquainted with God by teaching us some-
thing of the laws through which He works."
—Ibid.,
p. 128.
5.
How inexhaustible is God's rev-
elation? Will man ever complete this
great course of study? Rom. 11:33;
Job 11:7; Ps. 92:5.
NoTE.—In the world to come "every fa-
culty will be developed, every capacity in-
creased. The acquirement of knowledge
will not weary the mind or exhaust the
energies. There the grandest enterprises
may be carried forward, the loftiest aspira-
tions reached, the highest ambitions real-
ized; and still there will arise new heights
to surmount, new wonders to admire, new
truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call
forth the powers of mind and soul and
body."—The
Great Controversy,
page 677.
Religious Education
6.
In the pursuit of knowledge,
why is Christian education most es-
sential? Isa. 55:8, 9; Col. 2:2, 3.
NoTE.—"True education means more
than the pursual of a certain course of
study. It means more than a preparation
for the life that now is. It has to do with
the whole being, and with the whole period
of existence possible to man. It is the har-
monious development of the physical, the
mental, and the spiritual powers. It pre-
pares the student for the joy of service in
this world and for the higher joy of wider
service in the world to
come."—Education,
page 13.
"A comprehensive education is needed—
an education that will demand from parents
and teachers such thought and effort as
mere instruction in the sciences does not
require. Something more is called for than
the culture of the intellect. Education is not
complete unless the body, the mind, and
[24
7
the heart are equally educated. The char-
acter must receive proper discipline for its
fullest and highest development."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 398.
.7. How did the Great Teacher sent
from God state the primary purpose
of His coming to the earth? John
10:10.
NOTE.—" 'Life' includes the physical, in-
tellectual, and spiritual. Physical life is re-
garded as abundant in a body that is full
of vigor and in perfect health. . . . Man
also has intellectual and spiritual life, which
must also be made alive and abundant, for
`man doth not live by bread only, but by
every word that proceedeth out of the
mouth of the Lord' (Deut. 8:3). Important
as the, physical and intellectual aspects of a
well-rounded life are, no life is fully com-
plete unless the spiritual nature is nur-
tured."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary, vol.
5, p. 1005.
8.
Why cannot the primary pur-
pose of education be attained from
secular sources of knowledge? James
3:11, 17; Jer. 2:13.
NOTE.—"We cannot be complete in Christ
and yet be ready to grasp those things that
come from the so-called great men of the
earth, and place their wisdom before the
wisdom of the greatest Teacher the world
has ever known. To seek knowledge from
such sources is represented in the word as
seeking to drink from broken cisterns that
can hold no
water."—Testimonies, vol.
7,
p. 204.
9.
What spirit and attitude are
necessary in order to receive the edu-
cation that comes from above? Prov.
9:10; Dan. 2:20-22.
Transforming Power of Christian
Education
10.
What is the ultimate objective
of true education? Rom. 12:2; Col.
3:10.
NOTE.—"To restore in man the image .of
his Maker, to bring him back to the per-
fection in which he was created, to pro-
mote the development of body, mind, and
soul, that the divine purpose in his creation
might be realized—this was to be the work
of redemption. This is the object of edu-
cation, the great object of
life."—Educa-
tion,
pages 15, 16.
11.
What redemptive results will
accrue in the life of the student from
obtaining a Christian education? Eph.
4:15, 23, 24.
NoTE.—"And while Christ opens heaven
to man, the life which He imparts opens the
heart of man to heaven. Sin not only shuts
us away from God, but destroys in the hu-
man soul both the desire and the capacity
for knowing Him. All this work of evil it
is Christ's mission to undo. The faculties
of the soul, paralyzed by sin, the darkened
mind, the perverted will, He has power to
invigorate and to restore. He opens to us
the riches of the universe, and by Him the
power to discern and to appropriate these
treasures is
imparted."—Education,
pages
28, 29.
12.
How only may God's ideal in
education be attained? Ps. 78:1; Isa.
51:4.
NOTE.—"There is in his [man's] nature
a bent to evil, a force which, unaided, he
cannot resist. To withstand this force, to
attain that ideal which in his inmost soul
he accepts as alone worthy, he can find
help in but one power. That power is
Christ. Co-operation with that power is
man's greatest need. In all educational ef-
fort should not this co-operation be the
highest
aim?"—Education,
page 29.
Responsible Agents
•
13. Who must be deeply con-
cerned over Christian education? How
extensive does this concern become if
the purpose of Christian education is
to be attained? Ps. 78:5-8; Acts 20:28.
I 25 I
NOTE.
-Parents are the first who bear the
responsibility for giving their children a
Christian education. A similar responsi-
bility rests upon the "overseers" of the
church. They are responsible for the spirit-
ual welfare of "all the flock." That includes
the Christian education of the children.
14. What special promise is given
to those who have served as teachers
in God's great plan of Christian edu-
cation? Dan. 12:3, margin.
Nora.-There
is a glory reserved
in
heaven for all the saints who are truly wise.
The faces of the wise-the teachers-who
have turned men from the errors of their
way to righteousness, "shall shine as the
brightness of the firmament." They shall
"shine as the stars" of different magnitudes,
some of lesser, others of greater luster. But
they will continue to shine "for ever and
ever." They will not be eclipsed, or lose
their place in the firmament. This is a
promise for all teachers of righteousness.
Lesson 8, for August 23, 1958
The Home and the School
MEMORY VERSE:
"For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in
Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should make them known
to their children." Ps. 78:5.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 68-74; "Education," pages 45-50; "The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in
"Review and Herald" of August 7.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-8.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9-11.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12-14.
Thursday: Read Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. The Home in God's Planning
1.
The Eden home. Gen. 2:8, 15.
2.
Patriarchal family. Gen. 18:17-19.
3.
Parental responsibility. Deut. 6:6,
7, 20-23; Ps. 78:5-7.
4.
The home of Jesus. Luke 1:26-30;
Matt. 13 :55-56.
II. The Education of Jesus
5.
As child.
Luke 2:39, 40, 46, 47.
6.
In
school. Luke 2:51, 52;
John
7:15.
7.
Profession, education. Matt. 7
29; Mark 1:21, 22 ; John 3:2.
8.
As educator. Acts 4:13.
The Relation of Home and School
9.
Schools of prophets. 1 Sam. 10:5,
10; 19:20.
10.
Church schools.
1 Cor. 10:11.
11.
Common interests. Isa. 49:25;
54:13.
IV. Co
-
operation in Education
12.
Parental relationships.
Eph. 6:1-4;
Col. 3:20, 21.
13.
God's heritage.
Ps.
127:3; Gen.
33:5 ; Eph. 6:4.
14.
Final accounting. Jer. 13:20 ;
Deut. 5:9, 10.
[26]
THE LESSON
Introduction
The Christian home and school are
closely related. In the sight of God the
home is the child's first and most important
school. The Christian home and the church
school are also inseparable. One comple-
ments the other in the relentless struggle
between good and evil. The value of each,
when mutually co-operative, is greater
than all the material things offered by the
world.
The Home in God's Planning
1.
What kind of home did God
provide for man in the beginning?
Gen. 2:8, 15.
NoTx.—"Everything that God had made
was the perfection of beauty, and nothing
seemed wanting that could contribute to
the happiness of the holy pair; yet the
Creator gave them still another token of
His love, by preparing a garden especially
for their
home."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 46, 47.
2.
How did God regard the family
in the times of the ancient patriarchs?
Gen. 18:17-19.
3.
What special responsibility, with
respect to the education of the chil-
dren, rested upon the father and
mother? Deut. 6:6, 7, 20-23; Ps. 78:
5-7.
N0TE.—"From the earliest times the
faithful in Israel had given much care to
the education of the youth. The Lord had
directed that even from babyhood the chil-
dren should be taught of His goodness and
His, greatness, especially as revealed in His
law, and shown in the history of Israel.
Song and prayer and lessons from the Scrip-
tures were to be adapted to the opening
mind. Fathers and mothers were to in-
struct their children that the law of God is
an expression of His character, and that as
they received the principles of the law into
the heart, the image of God was traced on
mind and soul. Much of the teaching was
oral; but the youth also learned to read
the Hebrew writings; and the parchment
rolls of the Old Testament Scriptures were
open to their study."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 69.
4.
Into what kind of home was
Jesus born? Who made up the fam-
ily? Luke 1:26-30; Matt. 13:55, 56.
NOTE.—"Jesus lived in a peasant's home,
and faithfully and cheerfully acted His
part in bearing the burdens of the house-
hold. He had been the commander of
heaven, and angels had delighted to fulfill
His word; now He was a willing servant,
a loving, obedient son. He learned a trade,
and with His own hands worked in the car-
penter's shop with Joseph. In the simple
garb of a common laborer He walked the
streets of the little town, going to and re-
turning from His humble work. He did not
employ His divine power to lessen His bur-
dens or to lighten His toil."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 72.
The Education of Jesus
5.
What is said of the education and
training that Jesus received? Luke 2:
39, 40, 46, 47.
Nora.—"Jesus 'increased in wisdom and
stature, and in favor with God and man.'
Luke 2:52. His mind was active and pene-
trating, with a thoughtfulness and wisdom
beyond His years. Yet His character was
beautiful in its symmetry. The powers of
mind and body developed gradually, in
keeping with the laws of childhood."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 68.
6.
Did Jesus attend the schools of
His day? Who were His teachers?
Luke 2:51, 52; John 7:15.
[ 27 ]
C 16Q
,
ICHOC
GOD'S SCHOOL SYSTEM BEGAN IN
EDEN AND LEADS TO EDEN RESTORED.
3058-8
NorE.—"The child Jesus did not receive
instruction in the synagogue schools. His
mother was His first human teacher. From
her lips and from the scrolls of the proph-
ets, He learned of heavenly things. The
Very words which He Himself had spoken
to Moses for Israel He was now taught at
His mother's knee. As He advanced from
childhood to youth, He did not seek the
schools of the rabbis. He needed not the
education to be obtained from such
Sources; for God was His instructor."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 70.
7.
How did the education of Jesus
compare with that of the professional
teachers of His time? Matt. 7:28, 29;
Mark 1:21, 22; John 3:2.
8.
What testimony has been re-
corded of the quality of education and
training He gave to His disciples?
Acts 4:13.
NOTE.—The
disciples ,were uninstructed
in the learning of the Jewish schools. They
were of the common sort, having come from
private walks of life, untrained as teachers,
according to the accepted standard of pro-
fessional training. Their,whole bearing and
manner of teaching identified them with
Jesus. Would that the testimony given of
the disciples could be given of
•
their suc-
cessors today !
The Relation of Home and School
9.
What system of education was
developed in order to counteract the
influences of evil that surrounded Is-
rael? 1 Sam. 10:5, 10; 19:20.
NOTE.—"The
Hill of God."
Probably
Geba (1 Sam. 13:3), so called from a school
of the prophets being established there.
•
"The schools of the prophets were
founded by Samuel, to serve as a barrier
against the widespread corruption, to pro-
vide for the moral and spiritual welfare of
the youth, and to promote the future pros-
perity of the nation by furnishing it with
men qualified to act in the fear of God as
leaders and counselors. In the accomplish-
ment of this object, Samuel gathered com-
panies of young men who were pious, in-
telligent, and studious. These were called
the sons ,of the prophets."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
page 593.
10.
Who especially are to benefit
from the recorded experiences .of
God's people in former ages? 1 Cor.
10:11.
NOTE.—"It is high time for Sabbathkeep-
ers to separate their children from worldly
associations and place them under the very
best teachers, who will make the Bible the
foundation of
all study."—Testimonies,
vol.
6, p. 106.
11.
What special concern does God
have for the children of His people?
Isa. 49:25; 54:13. Compare Mark 8:
36, 37.
NOTE.—"God's
purpose for the children
growing up beside our hearths is wider,
deeper, higher, than our restricted vision
has comprehended. From the humblest lot
those whom He has seen faithful have in
time past been called to witness for Him in
the world's highest places. And many a lad
of today, growing up as did Daniel in his
Judean home, studying God's word and
I
28
His works, and learning the lessons of faith-
ful service, will yet stand in legislative as-
semblies, in halls of justice, or in royal
courts, as a witness for the King of kings."
—Education,
page 262.
Co-operation in Education
12.
What is the true relationship
between parents and children in the
home? Eph. 6:1-4; Col. 3:20, 21.
NOTE.—"Every Christian home should
have rules; and parents should, in their
words and deportment toward each other,
give to the children a precious, living ex-
ample of what they desire them to be.
Purity in speech and true Christian cour-
tesy should be constantly practiced. Teach
the children and youth to respect them-
selves, to be true to God, true to principle;
teach them to respect and obey the law of
God. These principles will control their
lives and will be carried out in their asso-
ciations with others. They will create a
pure atmosphere—one that will have an in-
fluence that will encourage weak souls in
the upward path that leads to holiness and
heaven. Let every lesson be of an elevating
and ennobling character, and the records
made in the books of heaven will be such
as you will not be ashamed to meet in the
judgment."—The
Adventist Home,
page 16.
13.
To whom do our children be-
long? Because' of this, what responsi-
bility do parents have for their chil-
dren? Ps. 127:3; Gen. 33:5; Eph. 6:4.
NOTE.—"He
-
who co-operates with the di-
vine purpose in imparting to the youth a
knowledge of God, and molding the char-
acter into harmony with His, does a high
and noble work. As he awakens a desire to
reach God's ideal, he presents an education
that is as high as heaven and as broad as
the universe; an education that cannot be
completed in this life, but that will be con-
tinued in the life to come; an education
that secures to the successful student his
passport from the preparatory school of
earth to the higher grade, the school above."
—Education,
page 19.
14.
What searching question will
be asked in the judgment, and what
divine principle will be operative?
Jer. 13:20; Deut. 5:9, 10. Compare
Jer. 32:17-19.
NOTE.—"Parents should labor with refer-
ence to the future harvest. While they sow
in tears, amid many discouragements, it
should be with earnest prayer. They may
see the promise of but a late and scanty
harvest, yet that should not prevent the
sowing. They should sow beside all wa-
ters, embracing every opportunity both to
improve themselves and to benefit their
children."—The
Adventist Home,
page 533.
"In your work for your children take
hold of the mighty power of God. Commit
your children to the Lord in prayer. Work
earnestly and untiringly for them. God
will hear your prayers and will draw them
to Himself. Then, at the last great day,
you can bring them to God, saying, 'Here
am I, and the children whom Thou bast'
given me.'
"—Ibid.,
p. 536.
Lesson 9, for August 30, 1958
Church Life and the Christian
MEMORY VERSE:
"I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me,
and
I
in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do
nothing."
John 15:5.
STUDY HELPS: "The
Acts of the Apostles," pages 514-521; "The'Desire' of AOs,"
pages 675.677, 511-517; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on
lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of August 14.
( 29 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 12-15.
❑
Sunday: Questions
1-4.
❑
Thursday: Read Study Helps.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-8.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9-11.
❑
Lesson Outline
II. Inspiration of Church Life
Introduction
I. The Church and Moral Excellence
1.
Gifts in the church. 1 Cor. 12:27.
28; Eph. 4:8, 11-13.
2.
Source of instruction. 2 Tim. 3:
16, 17; Rom. 15:4.
3.
Profitable counsel. Acts 20:20, 27.
4.
The spirit in which instruction is to
be given. Rom. 12:5-8.
5.
Peter as instructor. John 21:15, 16.
6.
Peter's instruction. 1 Peter 1:14-16.
7.
The different groups instructed by
Peter. 1 Peter 2:18; 5:1, 5 ;
3:1, 7, 8.
8.
Christ the vine. John 15:1-6.
9.
Blessings of membership. Eph.
2:13-22.
10.
Mutal helpfulness. Gal. 6:2 ;
Rom. 15:1-3; 1 Cor. 12:25, 26.
11.
Blessing of unity. Ps. 133:1-3 ;
Eph. 4:3-6.
12.
Spiritual development. Matt.
25:14-17; Luke 8:39, 40.
III. Church Attendance
13.
Soul-satisfying. Ps. 84:1-4; 42:1-4.
14.
The children included. Matt.
•
19:13, 14; Luke 18:15-17; Matt.
18:3.
15.
Lifetime experience. Ps. 92:13,
14; 37:23-25.
THE LESSON
Introduction
Moral excellence is the result of spiritual
power. The church is a divinely instituted
channel through which spiritual power is
available to the individual. In the church
the spiritual needs of every type of person
are supplied. Here the greatest inspiration
is given for the attainment of God's ideal
for His people.
The Church and Moral Excellence
1. In what way has the Lord
equipped the church, and for what
purpose? 1 Cor. 12:27, 28; Eph. 4:8,
11-13.
NoTE.-"The Lord's church is composed
of living, working agencies, who derive their
power to act from the Author
and
Finisher
of their faith. They are to carry forward
in harmony the great work resting on them.
God has given you your work. But He has
other instrumentalities, and to them He has
given their work, that all may become,
through sanctification of the truth, mem-
bers of Christ's body, of His flesh and of
His bones. Representing Christ, we act for
time and for eternity; and men, even
worldly men, take knowledge of us that we
have been with Jesus and have learned of
Him."-Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 174.
2.
What value is attached to the
word of God as the source of moral
and spiritual instruction? 2 Tim. 3:
16, 17; Rom. 15:4.
3.
How fully should the church
be insrtucted from God's word? Acts
20:20, 27.
[30]
•
NOTE.—Paul
did not allow timidity to let
him keep back anything that was profitable.
He was not governed by fear of conse-
quences, but rather by duty in teaching "all
the counsel of God."
4.
What attitude should govern the
manner in which the gifts God has
placed in the church are used to com-
municate His instructions? Rom. 12:
5-8.
NoTE.—"All the gifts of believers are ac-
cording to their respective capacity for
them, they are not to be puffed up on ac-
count of them, but to use them purely for
their proper ends."—Jamieson, Fausset, and
Brown,
Commentary,
on Rom. 12
5.
When Peter was being reinstated
in the circle of the apostles, what wide
responsibility did Jesus lay upon His
undershepherd? John 21:15, 16.
NOTE.—"The Saviour's manner of deal-
ing with Peter had a lesson for him and for
his brethren. It taught them to meet the
transgressor with patience, sympathy, and
forgiving love. Although Peter had denied
his Lord, the love which Jesus bore him
never faltered. Just such love should the un-
dershepherd feel for the sheep and lambs
committed to his care. Remembering his
own weakness and failure, Peter was to
deal with his flock as tenderly as Christ
had dealt with
him."—The Desire of Ages,
page 815.
6.
In feeding the sheep and the
lambs of the flock, what emphasis did
Peter place upon moral excellence?
1 Peter 1:14-16.
NOTE.—"Throughout his ministry, Peter
faithfully watched over the flock entrusted
to his care, and thus proved himself worthy
of the charge and responsibility given him
by the Saviour. Ever he exalted Jesus of
Nazareth as the Hope of Israel, the Saviour
of mankind. He brought his own life un-
der the discipline of the Master Worker."—
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 516.
A LIVING CHURCH IS MEASURED BY WHAT ITS
MEMBERS DO WHEN THEY LEAVE ITS PORTALS.
7.
To what different groups in the
household of faith did Peter address
his exhortations? 1 Peter 2:18; 5:1, 5;
3:1, 7, 8.
Inspiration of Church Life
8.
How did Jesus illustrate the
closeness of the connection that must
exist between Himself and His fol-
lowers and the results when that con-
nection is broken? John 15:1-6.
NOTE.—"The
connection of the branch
with the vine, He said, represents the rela-
tion you are to sustain to Me. The scion
is engrafted into the living vine, and fiber
by fiber, vein by vein, it grows into the
vine stock. The life of the vine becomes the
life of the branch. So the soul dead in tres-
passes and sins receives life through con-
nection with Christ. By faith in Him as
a personal Saviour the union is formed. The
sinner unites his weakness to Christ's
strength, his emptiness to Christ's fullness,
his frailty to Christ's enduring might. Then
he has the mind of Christ. The humanity
of Christ has touched our humanity, and
our humanity has touched divinity. Thus
through the agency of the Holy Spirit man
becomes a partaker of the divine nature.
He is accepted in the Beloved."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 675.
[ 31 ]
9. What are some of the blessings
of church membership?
ANSWER.
-a.
Made beneficiaries of
Christ's sacrifice. Reconciled to God. Eph.
2:13.
b.
Enjoyment of the peace of God. Eph.
2:14, 17; John 14:27.
c.
Fellowship with the household of God.
Eph. 2:18, 19.
d.
Partakers of the heritage bestowed
upon the church through Christ, the apostles
and prophets. Eph. 2:20.
e.
Recipients of the indwelling power of
the Holy Spirit as individuals and collec-
tively. Eph. 2:21, 22.
10. How can members best show
their appreciation of the privileges
of church membership? What is the
effect of a contrary attitude? Gal. 6:2;
Rom. 15:1-3; 1 Cor. 12:25, 26.
Nora.—"Our work is to toil in the vine-
yard of the Lord, not merely for ourselves,
but for the good of others. Our influence
is a blessing or a curse to others. We are
here to form perfect characters for heaven,'
—Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 526.
11. What wholesome effect does the
manifestation of the Spirit of Christ
in the life of one member have upon
other members of the church? How
is the demonstration of such a spirit
encouraged? Ps. 133:1-3; Eph. 4:3-6.
12. How does participation in the
service of Christ affect our Christian
experience? On what occasion did
Christ apply this principle? Matt. 25:
14-17; Luke 8:39, 40.
Nara.—"The special gifts of the Spirit
are not the only talents represented in the
parable. It includes all gifts and endow-
ments, whether original or acquired, natural
or spiritual. All are to be employed in
Christ's service. In becoming His disciples,
we surrender ourselves to Him with all that
we are and have. These gifts He returns to
us purified and ennobled, to be used for
His glory in blessing our fellow men."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 328.
Church Attendance
13.
How does church attendance
appeal to one whose heart is right
toward God? Ps. 84:1-4; 42:1-4.
Non.—God's house becomes a beloved
place. The blessings of membership in
God's family become as real as do the
things we enjoy in our own homes. David
joined the people on their way to the
house of God. Worship makes us enjoy the
presence of people, as witness those who
are deprived of meeting with others of like
faith.
14.
What special significance
should church life have for children?
How did Jesus appraise the religious
experience of children? Matt. 19:13,
14; Luke 18:15-17; Matt. 18:3.
NoTE.—"In the children who were
brought in contact with Him, Jesus saw
the men and women who should be heirs of
His grace and subjects of His kingdom, and
some of whom would become martyrs for
His sake. He knew that these children
would listen to Him and accept Him as
their Redeemer far more readily than
would grown-up people, many of whom
were the worldly-wise and hardhearted. In
His teaching He came down to their level.
He, the Majesty of heaven, did not disdain
to answer their questions, and simplify His
important lessons to meet their childish un-
derstanding. He planted in their minds the
seeds of truth, which in after years would
spring up, and bear fruit unto eternal life."
—The Desire of Ages,
pages 512, 513.
15.
How is church attendance re-
lated to spiritual prosperity? Ps. 92:
13, 14; Ps. 37:23-25. Compare Heb.
11:25.
[82
1
Lesson 10, for September 6, 1958
Christian Social Relations
MEMORY VERSE: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is
the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat."
Matt. 7:13.
STUDY HELPS: "Messages to Young People," pages 126-130, 403-416; "The Sev-
enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Re-
view and Herald" of August 2L
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 10-12.
0
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
0
Monday: Questions 4-7.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8, 9.
0
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. Social Influence
1.
Two ways. Matt. 7:13, 14; Luke
13:24-27.
2.
God's admonition. Ps.
37:1-6.
3.
Two influences. Rom. 12:2, first
part;
1
John 2:15.
4.
A personal choice. Joshua
24:15.
II. Social Relations
5.
Seek to save. Luke 9:56; 19:10;
Matt. 5:16.
6.
Friendliness. Prov. 18:24; Luke 7:
34-36.
7.
Social power. Acts 4:13.
4 : 13.
8.
God claims our lives.
1
Cor. 6:19
)
20; Rom. 14:7, 8; Matt. 6:33. •
9.
Choosing your friends. Ps. 1:1
;
119:9-11; 1 Tim. 5:22, last part.
III.
Social Standards and Happiness
10.
Christ's supreme desire. John 15:
11; 16:24.
,
11.
Essence of happiness. Pf0V,16:
20, first part; 1 Peter 4:14.
12.
Sowing and reaping. Prov. 4:23;
13:15; Gal. 6:7.
THE LESSON
the
one path so hard to find? Matt.
7:13, 14;
Luke 13:24-27.
Introduction
In
no sphere does the Christian have
more difficulty in discernment than in that
of social relations. In this area the power
of influence; both good and evil, is especially
potent. True understanding of, and ad-
herence to, Christian social standards will
bring real and lasting happiness in life.
Social Influence
1. How did Christ describe the way
of the world as compared with the
road that leads to heaven? Why is
NOTE.-"I was shown the
-
, conformity '.Cif
some professed Sabbathkeepers to' the
.
world. Oh, I saw that it'd§ a disgrace to
their profession, a disgrace -to: the: cause of
God. They give the lie to their profession:.
They think they are not_ like- the 'world;
but they are so near like them in dress, in
conversation, and actions, that there is no
distinction.
I
saw them decorating their
poor mortal bodies, which are liable at any
moment to be touched by the finger of
33
1
God, and laid upon a bed of anguish.. . .
"Why is it so hard to lead a self-denying,
humble life? Because professed Christians
are not dead to the world. It is easy living
after we are dead. But many are longing
for the leeks and onions of Egypt. They
have a disposition to dress and act as
much like the world as possible, and yet
go to heaven. Such climb up some other
way. They do not enter through the
strait gate and narrow
way."—Messages to
Young People,
pages 127, 128.
2.
What admonition does the
psalmist give God's children when
they are tempted to follow the influ-
ence of the world? Ps. 37:1-6.
NOTE.—"Many dress like the world to
have an influence. But here they make a
sad and fatal mistake. If they would have
a true and saving influence, let them live
out their profession, show their faith by
their righteous works, and make the dis-
tinction great between the Christian and
the world. I saw that the words, the dress,
and actions should tell for God. Then a
holy influence will be shed upon all, and
all will take knowledge of them that they
have been with Jesus. Unbelievers will see
that the truth we profess has a holy influ-
ence, and that faith in Christ's coming af-
fects the character of the man or woman."
—Messages to Young People,
page 128.
3.
Against what two powerful so-
cial influences must the Christian con-
stantly contend? Rom. 12:2, first part;
1 John 2:15.
NoTE.—"Jesus is coming, and will He find
a people conformed to the world? and will
He acknowledge them as His people that
He has purified unto Himself? Oh, no.
None but the pure and holy will He ac-
knowledge as His. Those who have been
purified and made white through suffering,
and have kept themselves separate, un-
spotted from the world, He will own as
His.
"As I saw the dreadful fact that God's
people were conformed to the world, with
no distinction, except in name, between
many of the professed disciples of the meek
and lowly Jesus, and unbelievers, my soul
felt deep anguish. I saw that Jesus was
wounded and put to an open shame. Said
the angel, as with sorrow he saw the pro-
fessed people of God loving the world, par-
taking of its spirit, and following its
fashions, 'Cut loose! Cut loose! lest He ap-
point you your portion with hypocrites
and unbelievers outside the city. Your pro-
fession will only cause you greater anguish,
and your punishment will be greater, be-
cause ye knew His will, but did it not.' "
—Messages to Young People,
pages 128,
129.
4.
On whose side do the faithful
ones cast their lot? Joshua 24:15.
NOTE.—"Christ calls upon everyone to
consider. Make an honest reckoning. Put
into one scale Jesus, which means eternal
treasure, life, truth, heaven, and the joy
of Christ in souls redeemed; put into the
other every attraction the world can offer.
Into one scale put the loss of your own
soul, and the souls of those whom you
might have been instrumental in saving;
into the other, for yourself and for them, a
life that measures with the life of God.
Weigh for time and for eternity. While
you are thus engaged, Christ speaks; 'What
shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the
whole world, and lose his own soul?'
"—
Messages to Young People,
page 130.
Social Relations
5.
What example did Christ set for
Christians in their social relationships,
and what instruction did He give?
Luke 9:56; 19:10; Matt. 5:16.
NOTE.—"Social power, sanctified by the
grace of Christ, must be improved in win-
ning souls to the Saviour. Let the world see
that we are not selfishly absorbed in our
own interests, but that we desire others to
share our blessings and privileges. Let them
see that our religion does not make us un-
sympathetic or exacting. Let all who pro-
fess to have found Christ minister as He
did for the benefit of
men."—Messages to
Young People,
pages 403, 404.
34
BLESSED ARE THE TIES THAT
BIND
GOD'S PEOPLE TOGETHER IN
CHRISTIAN
FELLOWSHIP!
6.
How does the cultivation of
good social relations influence the
life? Prov. 18:24; Luke 7:34-36.
NoTE.—"The Son of man is come eating
and drinking." Jesus accepted the hospi-
tality of the Pharisees and the publicans
alike. He would dine with the Pharisees,
though He knew they did not care for
Him; and with publicans, though He knew
they were no credit to Him. In the hope
of doing them both good He associated
and ate with them.
"Simon had been healed of the leprosy,
and it was this that had drawn him to Je-
sus. He desired to show his gratitude, and
at Christ's last visit to Bethany he made a
feast for the Saviour and His disciples."
The Desire of Ages,
page 557.
7.
What is the secret of right social
power? Acts 4:13.
NOTE.—"Christian
sociability is alto-
gether too little cultivated by God's peo-
ple. This branch of education should not be
neglected or lost sight of in our schools....
"Especially should those who have tasted
the love of Christ develop their social
powers, for in this way they may win souls
to the Saviour. Christ should not be hid
away in their hearts, shut in as a coveted
treasure, sacred and sweet, to be enjoyed
solely by themselves; nor should the love
of Christ be manifested toward those only
who please their
fancy."—Messages to
Young People,
page 405.
8.
Who has first claim upon our
lives? What should be the first guid-
ing principle in all our relationships?
1 Cor. 6:19, 20; Rom. 14:7, 8; Matt.
6:33.
NOTE.—"God's
invitation comes to each
youth, 'My son, give Me thine heart; I will
keep it pure; I will satisfy its longings
with true happiness.' God loves to make
the youth happy, and that is why He
would have them give their hearts into His
keeping, that all the God-given faculties of
the being may be kept in a vigorous, health-
ful condition. They are holding God's gift
of life. He makes the heart beat; He gives
strength to every faculty. Pure enjoyment
will not debase one of God's gifts. We sin
against our own bodies, and sin against
God, when seeking pleasures which sepa-
rate our affections from God. The youth
are to consider that they are placed in the
world on trial, to see whether they have
characters that will fit them to live with
angels."—Messages to Young People,
pages
408, 409.
9. In choosing associates, what safe
rule should the Christian always fol-
low? Ps. 1:1; 119:9-11; 1 Tim. 5:22,
last part.
NOTE.—"It rests with you, young men
and women, to decide whether you will be-
come trustworthy and faithful, ready and
resolute to take your stand for the right
under all circumstances. Do you desire to
form correct habits? Then seek the com-
pany of those who are sound in morals,
and whose aim tends to that which is
good. The precious hours of probation are
granted that you may remove every defect
from your character, and this you should
seek to do, not only that you may obtain
the future life, but that you may be useful
in this
life."—Messages to Young People,
pages 415, 416.
[ 35 ]
Social Standards and Happiness
10.
How does Christ express His
interest in our happiness? John 15:
11; 16:24.
oTE.—"All
your happiness, peace, joy,
and success in this life are dependent upon
genuine, trusting faith in God. This faith
WHY prompt true obedience to the com-
mandments of God. Your knowledge and
faith in God is the strongest restraint from
every evil practice, and the motive to all
good."
—
Messages to Young People,
page
410.
11.
In what does true happiness
consist? How is it attained? Prov. 16:
20, first part; 1 Peter 4:14.
12.
What sure consequences fol-
low our actions? Prov.
4:2
3; 13:15;
Gal. 6:7.
NoTE.—"A little time spent in
sowing
your wild oats, dear young friends, will
produce a crop that will embitter your
whole life; an hour of thoughtlessness—
once yielding to temptation—may turn the
whole current of your life in the wrong di-
rection. You can have but one youth;
make that useful. When once you have
passed over the ground, you can never re-
turn to rectify your mistakes. He who
refuses to connect with God, and puts him-
self in the way of temptation, will surely
fall."
—
Messages to Young People,
page
429.
Lesson 11, for September 13, 1958
Sabbath Observance
MEMORY VERSE: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou
labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy
God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy
manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is
within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and
all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the
Sabbath day, and hallowed it." Ex. 20:8-1 1.
STUDY. HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 281-289; "Testimonies," vol. 2, pp. 582-
585; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson
Help in "Review and Herald" of August 28.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Thursday: Read Study Helps.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-6.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Tilesday: Questions 7-10.
❑
Lesson Outline
introduction
I. Origin and Significance of the
Sabbath
1.
The Sabbath instituted. Gen. 2:1,
2; Heb. 4.4.
36
2.
"Remember the Sabbath." Ex.
20:8.
3.
The Sabbath for man. Mark 2:27,
28; Isa. 58:13.
4.
Sabbath desecration. Ezek. 22:8;
Mark 7:9.
5.
Christ and the Sabbath. Matt.
12:12; Luke 13:14-16; John
5:5-9.
Sanctification and Sabbath
Observance
6.
The Sabbath: holy and honorable.
Isa. 58:13 ; Ex. 20:8, 10.
7.
Holiness of life. Ex. 19:6 ;
1
Cor.
3:17.
8.
Holy worship.
1
Chron. 16:29;
Ps. 93:5.
9.
True worship. John 4:22-24;
Phil. 3 :3.
10.
A sign of sanctification. Ezek. 20:12.
Ill. Blessings of Sabbath Observance
11. Promised blessing. Isa. 58:13, 14;
1 John 3:22.
12. For the family and household.
Ex. 20:10.
13. Avenues of Sabbath blessings:
a.
Worship with others. Ps. 92:13.
b.
Scripture reading. Neh. 8:1, 2,
8 ; Luke 4:16.
c.
Prayer. Isa. 56:7.
d.
Singing. Ps. 100:2 ; Col. 3 :16.
e.
Recreation. Ps. 92:4, 5.
14. Sabbath observance in the new
earth. Isa. 66:23.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The Sabbath is a divine institution that
vitally affects every aspect of man's life. As
a day of holy worship it constitutes a sign
of sanctified everyday living. The blessings
enjoyed in our business or vocation through-
out the week largely reflect the spiritual
prosperity that accompanies true Sabbath
observance. The manner of Sabbath ob-
servance indicates how the commandments
of God are observed.
Origin and Significance of
the Sabbath
1.
When and by what divine act
did Sabbathkeeping begin on the
earth? Gen. 2:1, 2; Heb. 4:4.
NOTE.
-
"God
saw that a Sabbath was
essential for man, even in Paradise. He
needed to lay aside his own interests and
pursuits for one day of the seven, that he
might more fully contemplate the works of
God, and meditate upon His power and
goodness. He needed a Sabbath, to remind
him more vividly of God, and to awaken
gratitude because all that he enjoyed and
possessed came from the beneficent hand
of the
Creator."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 48.
2.
Why does the Sabbath command-
ment of the Decalogue begin with
the word "remember"? Ex. 20:8.
NOTE.
-"The
Sabbath points us back to
a perfect world in the long ago (Gen. 1:31;
2:1-3), and reminds us of the time when
the Creator will again 'make all things
new' (Rev. 21:5). It is a reminder also
that God stands ready to restore within
our hearts and lives His own image as it
was in the beginning (Gen. 1:26,
27)."-
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary, vol.
1, p. 604.
3.
For
whom was the Sabbath
made, and why? Mark 2:27, 28; Isa.
58:13.
NOTE.
-"And
call the Sabbath a delight."
True Sabbath observance marks the dif-
ference between the happy and the un-
happy Christian. When the Sabbath drags
and people keep asking, "When will the
Sabbath be gone ?" (see Amos 8:5) some-
thing is wrong with their religion.
"To all who receive the Sabbath as a
sign of Christ's creative and redeeming
power, it will be a delight. Seeing Christ
in it, they delight themselves in Him. The
Sabbath points them to the works of crea-
tion as an evidence of His mighty power
in redemption. While it calls to mind the
lost peace of Eden, it tells of peace re-
stored through the Saviour. And every ob-
ject in nature repeats his invitation, 'Come
unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-
laden, and I will give you rest.' Matt.
11:
28."-The Desire of Ages,
page 289.
[37
1
4.
How has Satan attempted to de-
stroy the blessings of Sabbath observ-
ance? Ezek. 22:8; Mark 7:9.
NOTE.—By causing God's children to be-
come careless and so despise or pollute the
Sabbath, Satan is successful in robbing
them of the blessings of Sabbath observ-
ance. By regarding the Sabbath as an ob-
stacle to business, and making the day
burdensome with human rules and tradi-
tions, the Sabbath, instead of being a sign
of sanctification, can become the sign of
disobedience.
5.
By what example and teaching
did Jesus reveal the true spirit of
Sabbathkeeping? Matt. 12:12; Luke
13:14-16; John 5:5-9.
Nom—Christ, the Creator, who gave the
Sabbath to man in the beginning, who
wrote the Sabbath commandment into the
Decalogue, who gave us an example in
Sabbath observance, is still Lord of the
Sabbath. His claims upon that day have
been enforced through His sacrifice of Him-
self. All who would enter into eternal rest,
must now cease from their work on God's
holy day, as God did from His.
Sanctification and Sabbath
Observance
6.
Besides being "a delight," what
other attributes does the Sabbath
have? How is the Sabbath to be kept?
Isa. 58:13; Ex. 20:8, 10.
NoTE.—"The holy of the Lord, honor-
able."
"Here is the acid test of what is right
and proper on the Sabbath—does it honor
God? Any activity entered into with the
objective of learning more of the character,
works, ways, and will of the Creator, or
that is made a channel whereby His love
may reach the hearts and lives of our fel-
ARE WE SO BUSY WITH
OUR
LITTLE TOYS
OF LIFE WE CANNOT ACCEPT
GOD'S
PRECIOUS
GIFT?
low men, is indeed an honor to God."—
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary,
vol. 4, p. 307.
7.
What spiritual preparation en-
ables one to keep the Sabbath holy?
Ex. 19:6; 1 Cor. 3:17.
NOTE.—"No
other institution which was
committed to the Jews tended so fully to
distinguish them from surrounding nations
as did the Sabbath. God designed that its
observance should designate them as His
worshipers. It was to be a token of their
separation from idolatry, and their con-
nection with the true God. But in order to
keep the Sabbath holy, men must them-
selves be holy."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
283.
8.
How is holiness in the life and
holiness of worship brought into har-
mony through Sabbath observance?
1 Chron. 16:29; Ps. 93:5.
Nom—Worship is giving oneself back
to the Creator, the divine source of life,
and entering into holy communion with
Him. Worship becomes a spiritual act of
holiness and salvation. Keeping the Sab-
bath day, then, means worshiping God.
(38]
9.
In what simple terms did Christ
define true worship? John 4:22-24;
Phil. 3:3.
10.
Of what is the Sabbath a sign
between the Christian and his Lord?
Ezek. 20:12.
Blessings of Sabbath Observance
11.
What will be the experience of
those who are faithful in true Sab-
bath observance? Isa. 58:13, 14; 1
John 3:22.
NOTE.—"God designs that the Sabbath
shall direct the minds of men to the con-
templation of His created works. . . . The
Sabbath, ever pointing to Him who made
them all, bids men open the great book of
nature, and trace therein the wisdom, the
power, and the love of the Creator."—Pa-
triarchs
and Prophets,
page 48.
12.
How does the Sabbath com-
mandment indicate that it was in-
tended for the whole household? Ex.
20:10.
NorE.—"The Sabbath and the family
were alike instituted in Eden, and in God's
purpose they are indissolubly linked to-
gether. On this day more than on any
other, it is possible for us to live the life of
Eden. . . . Over the Sabbath He places His
merciful hand. In His own day He pre-
serves for the family opportunity for com-
munion with Him, with nature, and with
one
another."—Education,
pages 250, 251.
13. What are some important es-
sentials of true Sabbath observance?
ArtswER.—a. Regularity in worship with
others. Ps. 92:13.
b.
Scripture reading. Neh. 8:1, 2, 8; Luke
4:16.
c.
Prayer. Isa. 56:7.
d.
Singing. Ps. 100:2 ; Col. 3:16.
"As a part of religious service, singing is
as much an act of worship as is prayer."—
Education,
page 168.
e.
Communion with nature. Ps. 92:4, 5.
The ninety-second Psalm was written for
the Sabbath day. It was natural for the
psalmist to contemplate the works of crea-
tion on that day. This brought gladness,
refreshing, recreation, to his heart.
Relaxation from toil, mental and physical
toil, is a part of the true Sabbath observ-
ance. By a proper mixture of spiritual rec-
reation and devotion, the Sabbath becomes
a delight, holy and honorable.
14. How long will Sabbath observ-
ance continue? Isa. 66:23.
NOTE.—"The Sabbath was not for Israel
merely, but for the world. It had been
made known to man in Eden, and, like the
other precepts of the Decalogue, it is of im-
perishable obligation. Of that law of which
the fourth commandment forms a part,
Christ declares, 'Till heaven and earth pass,
one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass
from the law.' So long as the heavens and
the earth endure, the Sabbath will con-
tinue as a sign of the Creator's power. And
when Eden shall bloom on earth again,
God's holy rest day will be honored by all
beneath the
sun."—The Desire of Ages,
page 283.
LESSON QUARTERLIES FOR THE BLIND
The senior Sabbath-school lessons, slightly condensed, are
published each quarter in Braille and supplied free to the blind
upon request. Address: The Christian Record Benevolent Associa-
tion, Box 66, Lincoln 6, Nebraska.
[ 39 ]
Lesson 12, for September 20, 1958
The Whole Armor of God
MEMORY VERSE:
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may
be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Eph. 6:13.
STUDY HELPS:
"Messages to Young People," pages 51-56, 63-67; "The Adventist
Home," pages 401-405; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on
lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of September
4.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-6.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
❑
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. Christian Warfare and Victory
1.
The conditions stated. Luke 13:24.
2.
The fight of faith. 1 Tim. 6:12 ;
1 Cor. 9:25.
3.
Assurance of victory. John 16:33;
1 Cor. 10:13.
4.
Power of the Spirit. 1 John 4:4;
Rom. 8:37; Phil. 4:13.
II. The Christian's Armor
5.
The armor. Rom. 13:12 ; 2
Cor.
6:7; Eph. 6:11.
6.
The whole armor of God. Eph.
6:13.
III. Implements in the Armor
7.
The girdle. Eph. 6:14, first part;
Luke 12:35, first part.
8.
The breastplate. Eph. 6:14, last
part; Isa. 59:17, first part.
9.
Shod feet. Eph. 6:15.
10.
The shield. Eph. 6:16; 1 John 5:4,
last part.
IV. Putting on the Armor
11.
"Take," "put on." Eph. 6:11, 13.
12.
The helmet. Eph. 6:17, first part;
1 Thess. 5:8.
13.
The sword of the Spirit. Eph. 6:17,
last part.
14.
Prayer and watchfulness. Eph.
6:18.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The consciousness that the Christian must
live his life under constant enemy assault
comes to many as a great surprise. They
had expected to find only joy and tran-
quillity in their religion.
In the Christian's armor, God has made
provision for meeting the temptations and
trials that come to the children of God.
Christian Warfare and Victory
1. How does Christ describe the
conditions under which the blessings
of salvation are obtained? Luke 13:24.
NOTE.
-
"
We
can never be saved in indo-
lence and inactivity. There is no such thing
[ 40 ]
as a truly converted person living a help-
less, useless life. It is not possible for us to
drift into heaven. No sluggard can enter
there. If we do not strive to gain an en-
trance into the kingdom, if we do not seek
earnestly to learn what constitutes its laws,
we are not fitted for a part in it. Those
who refuse to co-operate with God on
earth, would not co-operate with Him in
heaven. It would not be safe to take them
to
heaven."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page
280.
"There are
.
two errors against which the
children of God—particularly those who
have just come to trust in His grace—es-
pecially need to guard. The first, already
dwelt upon, is that of looking to their own
works, trusting to anything they can do,
to bring themselves into harmony with
God. He who is trying to become holy by
his own works in keeping the law, is at-
tempting an impossibility. . . .
"The opposite and no less dangerous er-
ror is, that belief in Christ releases men
from keeping the law of God; that since
by faith alone we become partakers of the
grace of Christ, our works have nothing to
do with our redemption."—Steps
to Christ,
pages 64, 65.
2.
In what graphic language does
the apostle Paul describe the spiritual
warfare of the Christian? .1 Tim. 6:12;
1 Cor. 9:25.
NOTE.—Paul was a true Christian hero.
He understood the struggle; he went
through the heat of many battles. Saint
that he was, he never regarded the victory
fully won as long as he lived. Phil. 3:12.
When he finally reached the end of his life
he testified triumphantly: "I have fought
a good fight, I have finished my course, I
have kept the faith." 2 Tim. 4:7.
3.
What assurances of victory are
given to encourage the Christian in
the struggle against the power of evil?
John 16:33; 1 Cor. 10:13.
NoTE.—"The example of Christ shows us
that our only hope of victory is in con-
tinual resistance of Satan's attacks. He
who triumphed over the adversary of souls
in the conflict of temptations understands
Satan's power over the race, and has con-
quered him in our behalf. As an over-
comer, He has given us the advantage of
His victory, that in our efforts to resist the
temptations of Satan we may unite our
weakness to His strength, our worthlessness
to His merits. And sustained by His en-
during might under the strength of tempta-
tion, we may resist in His all-powerful
name, and overcome as He overcame."—
Messages to Young People,
page 50.
4.
Having accepted Christ as the
victor over Satan, with what confi-
dence may we face the attacks of the
enemy? 1 John 4:4; Rom. 8:37; Phil.
4-13.
Nom—The Spirit of God in the heart of
the believer becomes an impregnable fort-
ress against Satan and his host. See Isa.
59:19.
"The Christian life is a warfare. But 'we
wrestle not against flesh and blood, but
against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this
world, against spiritual wickedness in high
places.' In this conflict of righteousness
against unrighteousness we can be success-
ful only by divine aid. Our finite will must
be brought into submission to the will of
the Infinite; the human will must be
blended with the divine. This will bring
the Holy Spirit to our aid; and every con-
quest will tend to the recovery of God's
purchased possession, to the restoration of
His image in the
soul."—Messages to Young
People,
page 55.
The Christian's Armor
5.
What invincible armor has been
provided for the Christian? How is
it described? Rom. 13:12; 2 Cor. 6:7;
Eph. 6:11.
6.
Clad with "the whole armor of
God," what two great objectives is
the Christian enabled to attain? Eph.
6:13.
141
]
THE ARMOR 15
NO
VALUE IN FIGHTING
AGAINST EVIL UNLESS
THERE IS A BRAVE
AND LOYAL CHRISTIAN
INSIDE!
NOTE.—"(1.)
We must
withstand.. . .
Satan is said
to stand up against us.
If he
stands up against us, we must stand against
him; set up, and keep up, an interest in
opposition to the devil. . . . To stand
against. Satan is to strive against sin. . . .
"(2.)
We must stand our ground:
And,
having done all, to stand. We
must resolve,
by God's grace, not to yield to Satan. Re-
sist him, and he will flee. If we give back,
he will get ground. If we distrust our cause,
or our Leader, or our armor, we give him
advantage."—Matthew Henry,
Commen-
tary,
on Eph. 6:13.
Implements in the Armor
7. Which is the first weapon listed
in the whole armor of God? Eph. 6:
14, first part; Luke 12:35, first part.
NorE.—The girdle is the first part of the
armor to be put on. It is the foundation
upon which all other weapons rest.
Paul mentions truth as the girdle. Truth,
or sincerity, is the basis of Christian
strength. "Truth shall be thy shield and
buckler." Ps. 91:4. Before we undertake
anything as Christ's followers, our lives
must be squared with truth, and that means
being established in Christ, the Truth.
There can be no false front. One must
be wholly sincere in his relationship to
Christ. There can be no aping of the
world, or outward form, if one wishes to
live a victorious life in Christ..
8.
What is the second article of the
Christian armor called? Eph. 6:14,
last part; Isa. 59:17, first part.
NOTE.—The
breastplate protects the
heart and other vital organs of the body.
Against these Satan aims his sharpest darts,
"For with the heart man believeth unto
righteousness." Rom. 10:10.
9.
Which portion of the body re-
quires the third article in the armor?
What does that signify? Eph. 6:15.
Compare Isa. 52:7.
NOTE.—"Walk firmly, decidedly, your
feet shod with the preparation of the gos-
pel of
peace."—Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 295.
Resolution gives the Christian constancy
to advance. There is no stopping, no hesi-
tation. There is no uncertainty, no beating
of the air, but a constant stretching for-
ward "toward the mark for the prize of the
high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phil.
3:14.
10.
In what special manner is the
fourth piece of armor introduced?
How important is this piece of the
Christian's armor? Eph. 6:16; 1 John
5:4, last part.
NorE.—The emphatic expression "above
all" is employed in introducing this part of
the armor. This is because the shield is a
universal means of defense. It can be
turned in any direction to render the darts
of the enemy ineffective.
"The just shall live by faith." Rom. 1:17.
Faith is something to live by, not some-
thing to hold onto with trembling hand for
fear it might get away from us.
The devil fears a man of faith. When
Luther laid hold of faith as an active
principle of life, he sprang to his feet and
began to charge the gates of hell. Every
rafter in the roof above him could be a
[ 42 ]
devil, for all he cared. By faith he set out
to make known the truth of God to a dark,
superstitious world. By word and pen he
attacked the strongholds of Satan, and
great was the result of such aggression.
Putting on the Armor
11.
By
what act of faith does the
Christian receive the protection and
benefits of the armor of God? Eph.
6:11, 13.
12.
What does the helmet repre-
sent? Eph. 6:17, first part; 1 Thess. 5:8.
NoTE.—The helmet identifies the soldiers
of the cross. It bears the insignia of "the
hope of salvation."
13.
Having put on the Christian's
armor, what weapon is the soldier of
the cross to wield? Eph. 6:17, last
part.
NoTE.—The most aggressive implement in
the armor is "the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God." Like Goliath's
sword, there is none to compare with it.
With this sword we assault the hosts of
evil. Heb. 4:12; Ps. 119:11.
14.
Fully clad in his armor and
with sword in hand, how is the Chris-
tian soldier admonished to conduct
his warfare with evil? Eph. 6:18.
Compare Matt. 26:41.
NoTE.—"Without unceasing prayer and
diligent watching, we are in danger of
growing careless and of deviating from the
right
path."—Steps to Christ,
page 99.
The Christian must always be on the
alert against the invasion of evil. God is
not honored when His children willfully
expose themselves to temptation and then
come fleeing to Him for help when the mis-
chief has been done. Watching is our first
line of defense.
"In no case can Satan obtain dominion
over the thoughts, words, and actions, un-
less we voluntarily open, the door and in-
vite him to enter. He will then come in
and, by catching away the good seed sown
in the heart, make of none effect the truth.
"All who name the name of Christ need
to watch and pray and guard the avenues
of the soul, for Satan is at work to cor-
rupt and destroy if the least advantage is
given
him."—The Adventist Home,
page
402.
Lesson
13,
for September
27, 1958
Living Up to the Standard
MEMORY VERSE:
"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered
for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps." 1 Peter 2:21.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 109-113; "Messages to Young People,"
pages 65-74; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts;
Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of September 11.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
0
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
0
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
0
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
0
Monday: Questions 5-7.
0
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
0
[43
1
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. Christ the Standard
1.
Christ our righteousness. 1 Cor.
1:30.
2.
Following His example. 1 Peter
2:21; Col. 2:6.
3.
His exalted standard. Isa. 11:5;
Matt. 5:20.
4.
Doing the Father's will. John 5:19,
30.
II. The Christ Life
5.
"Put on Christ." Gal. 3:27; Rom.
6:4.
6.
Christ living in me. Gal. 2:20.
7.
A new creature. 2 Cor. 5:17.
III. Evidence of the New Life
8.
"The marks of . . . Jesus." Gal.
6:17; 2 Cor. 4:10.
9.
In conversation and life. Eph. 4:
20-25; Phil. 3:20; Col. 3:1, 2.
10.
"Crucified with Christ." Gal. 2:20,
first part; 1 Cor. 15:31, last part;
9:27.
IV. Meeting the Perfect Standard
11.
Standard of Christ accepted.
Ps. 40:7-10; John 1:14; 17:4.
12.
Christ's steadfastness and suffer-
ing. Isa. 50:5-7 ; Heb. 2:9, 10.
13.
His death on the cross. Phil. 2:5-8.
14.
Our appreciation to be shown.
1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The crown of victory comes only to those
who have faith in Jesus Christ and accept
His righteousness.
Christ the Standard
1.
Who is made the standard of
righteousness for us? 1 Cor. 1:30.
NOTE.-"Christ Himself is the pearl of
great price. In Him is gathered all the
glory of the Father, the fullness of the God-
head. He is the brightness of the Father's
glory and the express image of His person.
The glory of the attributes of God is ex-
pressed in His character. Every page of
the Holy Scriptures shines with His light.
The righteousness of Christ, as a pure,
white pearl, has no defect, no stain. No
work of man can improve the great and
precious gift of God. It is without a flaw."
-Christ's Object Lessons,
page 115.
2.
For what purpose did Christ
leave us an example? Having. ac-
cepted Christ, what becomes our duty?
1 Peter 2:21; Col. 2:6.
3.
How is the standard of Christ's
life contrasted with that of the lead-
ers of His time? Isa. 11:5; Matt. 5:20.
NoTE.-"Girdle of His loins.
Messiah is
pictured clothed in garments of righteous-
ness. The figure implies a strict regard for
justice and truth, integrity and faithfulness.
Messiah is to be the very embodiment of
righteousness. In contrast, Antichrist is
said to work 'with all deceivableness of un-
righteousness.'
"-The Seventh-day Advent-
ist Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 159.
"The rabbis counted their righteousness
a
passport to heaven; but Jesus declared it
to be insufficient and unworthy. External
ceremonies and a theoretical knowledge of
truth constituted Pharasaical righteousness.
The rabbis claimed to be holy through their
own efforts in keeping the law; but their
works had divorced righteousness from re-
ligion. While they were punctilious in ritual
observances, their lives were immoral and
debased. Their so-called righteousness could
never enter the kingdom of heaven."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 309.
4.
To whom did Jesus always look
for His own example and guide? John
5:19, 30. '
[44
1
BOUGHT AT HEAVEN'S DEAREST PRICE,
WE ARE TO REVEAL TO
.
THE WORLD
THAT WE BELONG TO
OUR
REDEEMER.
•
NOTE.—" am the True Vine,' He says.
Instead of choosing the graceful palm, the
lofty cedar, or the strong oak, Jesus takes
the vine with its clinging tendrils to repre-
sent Himself. The palm tree, the cedar,
and the oak stand alone. They require no
support. But the vine entwines about the
trellis, and thus climbs heavenward. So
Christ in His humanity was dependent
upon divine power. 'I can of Mine own
self do nothing,' He declared."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
pages 674, 675.
The Christ Life
5.
At what time in the Christian's
experience does the emulation of
Christ begin'? Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:4.
NOTE.—"Those who have put on Christ
by baptism, by this act showing their sep-
aration from the world and that they
have covenanted to walk in newness of life,
should not set up idols in their hearts.
Those who have once rejoiced in the evi-
dence of sins forgiven, who have tasted a
Saviour's love and who then persist in
uniting with the foes of Christ, rejecting
the perfect righteousness that Jesus offers
them and choosing the ways that He has
condemned, will be more severely judged
than the heathen who have never had the
light and have never known God or His
law. Those who refuse to follow the light
which God has given them, choosing the
amusements, vanities, and follies of the
world, and refusing to conform their con-
duct to the just and holy requirements of
God's law, are guilty of the most aggravat-
ing sins in the sight of God. Their guilt and
their wages will be proportionate to the
light and privileges which they have had."
—Testimonies, vol.
3, pp. 365, 366.
6.
Having "put . . . on the Lord
Jesus," whose life
--
becomes
a
reality
in the Christian's experience? Gal.
2:20.
•
Nor.E"To _believe .in Christ. merely as
the Saviour of. the world Tan. never.
-
bring
healing to the soul. _The .faith
-
that is unto
salvation is: not a mere assent to the 'truth
of the gospel.- True faith is that which re,
ceives Christ as a personal Saviour. God
gaVe His only-begotten Son, that
I,
by be-
lieving in Him, 'should not perish, but have
everlasting life.' John 3:16. When I come
to Christ, according to His word, I am to
believe that I receive His saving grace. The
life that _I now liVe; I am to liVe by the
faith of the Son of God, whO loved me,-and
gave. Himself for
me.'
Gal.
2:20."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 62.
7. What transformation takes place
in the life of one who is •truly. "in
Christ"? 2 Cor.`5:17.
NOTE.—"When a man is truly converted,
he becomes a son of God, a partaker of the
divine nature. Not only is the heart re-
newed, but the intellect is strengthened and
invigorated. There have been many in-
stances of persons who before conversion
were thought to possess ,ordinary and_even
inferior ability, but 'who after cOnversion
seemed to be entirely transfer/lied. 'They
then manifested remarkable power to com-
prehend the truths of God's word, and to
present these truths to others..Men of high
intellectual standing have considered it „a
privilege to hold intercourse with these
men. The Sun of righteousness; :shedding
its bright beams into their minds
;
quick-
[457
ened every power into more vigorous
ac-
tion."—Messages to Young People,
pages
65, 66.
Evidence of the New Life
8.
Whose marks did Paul say could
be seen in his body? Gal. 6:17; 2 Cor.
4:10.
NarE.—"God's stamp is upon us. He has
bought us, and He desires us to remember
that our physical, mental, and moral powers
belong to Him. Time and influence,
reason, affection, and conscience, all are
God's, and are to be used only in harmony
with His
will."—Messages to Young People,
page 69.
9.
How is the fact that we are "in
Christ" revealed in our personal ex-
perience? In our conversation? In
our attitude toward life? Eph. 4:20-
25; Phil. 3:20; Col. 3:1, 2.
10.
What daily experience charac-
terized the life of Paul as he followed
the footsteps of the Master? Gal. 2:20,
first part; 1 Cor. 15:31, last part; 9:27.
NoTE.—"Constant war against the carnal
mind must be maintained; and we must be
aided by the refining influence of the grace
of God, which will attract the mind upward
and habituate it to meditate upon pure and
holy things.
"The body is not kept, under by many
professed •Sabbathkeepers. Some have em-
braced the Sabbath whose minds have ever
been depraved. And when they embraced
the truth they did not feel the necessity of
turning square about and changing their
whole course of
action."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 479.
Meeting the Perfect Standard
11.
How fully did Jesus succeed in
meeting the standard
set
up by Him-
self and the Father? Ps. 40:7-10; John
1:14; 17:4.
12.
How is singleness of purpose,
as revealed in the life of Christ, de-
scribed? What did He experience as
a result? Isa. 50:5-7; Heb. 2:9, 10.
13.
In harmony with the will of
the Father, what infinite price did
Christ pay for man's redemption?
Phil. 2:5-8.
14.
In what way can we best show
our appreciation for the great price
that has been paid for our redemp-
tion? 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31.
Non.—"You are not your own. Jesus
has purchased you with His blood. Do not
bury your talents in the earth. Use them
for Him. In whatever business you may be
engaged, bring Jesus into it. If you find
that you are losing your love for your
Saviour, give up your business, and say,
`Here I am, Saviour; what wilt. Thou have
me to do ?' He will receive you graciously,
and love you freely. He will abundantly
pardon; for He is merciful and long-suffer-
ing, not willing that any should perish."—
Messages to Young People,
page 70.
"Thank God for the bright pictures
which He has presented to us. Let us
group together the blessed assurances of
His love, that we may look upon them
continually. The Son of. God leaving His
Father's throne, clothing His divinity with
humanity, that He might rescue man from
the power of Satan; His triumph in our
behalf, opening heaven to men, revealing
to human vision the presence chamber
where the Deity unveils His glory; the
fallen race uplifted from the pit of ruin
into which sin had plunged it, and brought
again into connection with the infinite God,
and having endured the divine test through
faith in our Redeemer, clothed in the
righteousness of Christ, and exalted to His
throne—these are the pictures which God
would have us contemplate."—Steps
to
Christ,
pages 122, 123.
[46]
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
September 27, 1958
The overflow of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter goes to
the Inter-American Division, the second largest of our overseas divisions
and the fastest growing division in the world, with 125,000 church mem-
bers. Such a rapidly growing work naturally presents many problems
and many needs. A large proportion of the people are poor, and their
physical as well as their spiritual needs are many. This quarter we are
concentrating on three worthy projects; namely, an academic building
for the Seminaire Adventiste, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in the Franco-Hai-
tian Union; an evangelistic and medical center for Caracas, Venezuela,
in the Colombia-Venezuela Union; and an outpatient clinic building for
the Andrews Memorial Hospital at Kingston, Jamaica, in the British
West Indies Union. Our schools and our medical institutions play an
important part in the spreading of the Good News of the return of Jesus.
Where would we find people to go out and give the message if we
could not train them in our own schools? How else could we reach the
millions of people who first hear, of Christ when they come to our
clinics and hospitals as patients ?
May we on this coming Thirteenth Sabbath make a sacrificial offer-
ing for the strengthening of these three institutions in the Inter-Ameri-
can field.
LESSONS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1958
Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the fourth quarter of 1958 will be helped by the following outline in study-
ing the first lesson. The subject of the quarter's lessons is "New Testament Bi-
ographies." The title of the first lesson is; "John the Baptist, Forerunner of
Christ." The Memory Verse is Malachi 4:5, 6. The texts to be studied are.
Ques. 1. Isa. 40:3-5.
Ques. 2. Mal. 4:5, 6.
Ques. 3. Luke 1:5-17.
Ques. 4. Luke 1:67-79.
Ques: 5: Luke 1:80.
Ques. 6. Matt. 3:4.
Ques. 7. Matt.
3:5,
6.
Ques. 8. Matt. 3:7-10.
Ques. 9. John 1:19-27; Luke 3:15-17.
Ques. 10. Matt. 3:13-17.
Ques. 11. John 3:26-30.
Ques. 12. Matt. 14:2-12.
Ques. 13. Matt. 11:2-6.
Ques. 14. Matt. 11:7-14.
[ 47 ]
1
74'
INTER
ti41°
DIVISION
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IV.
7 •
21
ONION MISSION
POPULATION
<11ORCNIS
Cx. Mai111i
S.S M
ANTILLIAN
14,790,716
205
25,901
37
BRITISH WEST INDIES
1,556,867
314
26,949
26932
CARIBBEAN UNION.
2.833,503
232
22,673
24
CENTRAL AMERICAN
10,151254
157
11,765
14,478
COLOMBIA-VENEZUELA
17,426;192
80
10,515
15,306
MEXICAN
30,221,242
183
19,618
32013
FRANCO-HAITIAN
1751
116,0951
120
hums
897
129
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